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Suspicious Letters and Packages

GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING

If you see or receive a suspicious letter or package:
  • REMAIN CALM.

  • DO NOT OPEN THE LETTER OR PACKAGE.
  • If the letter or package is already open or powder has spilled out, do not attempt to clean it up.
  • Notify the police - all doors and windows to the room should be shut, and no one should have access to the room.
  • Turn off air conditioning, heating and/or ventilation systems.
  • Call 911 to notify the police, and to get further instructions regarding disposal of clothing.
  • Go to the closest available sink and wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Remain at home or in the location, but in another room, until you receive instructions from emergency responders on how to dispose of your clothes, showering, and whether you need to be treated. Do not move around the location unnecessarily.
  • Make a list of those who were in the area and may have been exposed.

REMEMBER..

Most of these incidents are scares and hoaxes.
If you have been exposed to a toxin, early treatment is effective.
Public health officials will advise you whether you need to be tested or treated

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSPICIOUS LETTERS & PACKAGES INCLUDE:

  • Postmarked from a city or state that doesn't match the return address
  • Excessive Postage
  • Ticking Sound
  • Oily stains, discolorations or odor
  • Visual distractions
  • Title, but no name
  • Protruding wires or aluminum foil
  • Incorrect titles
  • No return address
  • Excessive weight
  • Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
  • Lopsided or uneven envelope
  • Marked with restrictions such as "Personal" or "Confidential"