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Handling of mail/packages:
The following guidelines for handling suspicious
letters and packages is based on information provided by the State
Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control. It is important
to note that the state Health Commissioner has advised that, for
routine daily mail handling, use of face masks and gloves is not
necessary.
What makes a piece of mail/parcel
"suspicious?"
Listed below are some characteristics of suspicious
packages and/or letters. Keep in mind that it would likely be a
combination of several characteristics and not just one that would
require a closer scrutiny of the letter or package. By example,
it is not uncommon for employees to receive mail that may have an
incorrect title, or a title but no name, or handwritten correspondence.
- Excessive postage
- Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
- Incorrect titles
- Title, but no name
- Misspellings of common words
- Post mark city and or state does not agree with
the return address
- No return address
- Oily stains, discolorations or odors
- Excessive weight
- Lopsided or uneven envelope
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil
- Excessive security material such as masking
tape, string, etc.
- Visual distractions
- Ticking sound
- Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as
"Personal" or "Confidential"
- Warning words such as "anthrax" or
"biohazard"
Steps for handling a suspicious
unopened letter or package:
- Do not shake it or empty the contents of the
envelope/package.
- Place the envelope or package into a plastic
bag or some other container to prevent leakage of contents.
- If you do not have any container, then cover
the envelope or package with anything handy, such as clothing,
paper, trash cans, etc., and do not remove this covering.
- Leave the room and close the door or section
off the area.
- Ask co-workers or others to leave the room or
area and keep others from entering. Whole building evacuation
is not necessary.
- Notify your supervisor who in turn will contact
law enforcement officials by calling 911.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
Steps to follow if powder
from a suspicious envelope or package has spilled out:
- Do not try to clean up the powder.
- Cover the spilled contents immediately with
anything (clothing, paper, trash can, etc.).
- Leave the room and close the door or section
off the area. Ask co-workers to leave and prevent others from
entering. Whole building evacuation is not necessary.
- Notify your supervisor who in turn will contact
law enforcement officials by calling 911.
- Individuals coming in direct contact with the
suspicious materials should wash the potentially exposed area
of their body with soap and water.
- Supervisor should make a list of all people
who were in the room or area at the time of the spill. Especially
note those who had contact with the substance. Give this list
to both the on scene health officials and law enforcement personnel
for follow-up.
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