USPS urges Katrina victims to e-file address change requests

Bracing for a historic number of relocations, the U.S. Postal Service is asking those displaced by Hurricane Katrina to use the Internet where possible to file change of address requests.In a notice Monday, the Postal Service said the best way to send the change of address forms is online at USPS’ , or by calling 800-ASK-USPS. To date, more than 36,000 hurricane victims have filed to change their addresses.While it did not give any estimates on when it will reopen the numerous post offices closed, damaged or destroyed by the storm, the agency said customers can use its Web site to check the status of Katrina-affected branches.USPS also said it is establishing a new ZIP code for the Houston Astrodome, a stadium serving as temporary shelter to thousands of evacuees from the Gulf Coast, and will be setting up new ZIP codes for other sites being used as temporary hurricane shelters.