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HOW TO HANDLE SUSPICIOUS MAIL OR PACKAGES
   

In general, if you get a package you think is suspicious:

  • Do not handle the package or examine the material.
  • Leave the area, and warn others not to enter.
  • Wash your hands with soap (or mild detergent) and water.
  • Report the incident (by dialing 911; in communities without 911 systems, local law enforcement authorities should be notified).

According to a Centers for Disease Control advisory, features that should arouse suspicion might include:

  • threatening messages (for example, "anthrax")
  • excessive security material such as masking tape or string
  • absence of a return address
  • excessive postage
  • handwritten or poorly typed addresses
  • incorrect titles; title, but no name
  • misspellings of common words
  • oily stains, discolorations, or odor
  • excessive weight, lopsided or uneven envelope
  • protruding wires or aluminum foil
  • visual distractions
  • ticking sound
  • marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
  • shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

If you receive a suspicious letter or package, follow these steps:

  • Do not handle.
  • Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
  • To prevent leakage of contents, PLACE some type of container on top of envelope of package.
  • If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
  • Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
  • WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.

What to do next...

  • If you are at HOME, report the incident to local police.
  • If you are at WORK, report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
  • LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.

If you open an envelope with powder and powder spills out onto a surface, follow these steps:

  • DO NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. COVER the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover!
  • Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
  • WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.

What to do next...

  • If you are at HOME, report the incident to local police.
  • If you are at WORK, report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
  • REMOVE contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
  • SHOWER with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.
  • If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.

If you receive a warning that air handling system is contaminated, or that a biological agent has been released in a public space, you should:

  • TURN OFF local fans or ventilation units in the area.
  • LEAVE area immediately.
  • CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).

What to do next...

  • If you are at HOME, dial "911" to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office. If you are at WORK, then dial "911" to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
  • SHUT down air handling system in the building, if possible.
  • If possible, list all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.