Suspicious Letters and Packages

Anyone receiving mail and packages should regularly, reasonably, and prudently examine those materials before opening them. Characteristics that may cause letters and packages to be treated as suspect are:

• Letters and packages delivered by someone other than regular carriers;
• Packages wrapped in string because modern packaging materials have eliminated the need for twine and string;
• Excess use of securing material, i.e., tape;
• Packages that are lopsided, heavy sided, or have lumps, bulges, or protrusions;
• No postage, non-cancelled postage, or excessive postage;
• Handwritten notes such as: “To Be Opened in the Privacy Of ….”, “Confidential”, “This is Your Lucky Day”;
• Packages or letters that have no return addresses or nonsensical return addresses;
• Letters or packages arriving before or after phone calls asking if the items were received;
• Improper spelling of common names, places, or titles; or
• Leaks, stains, or protruding wires, foil, string, tape, etc.

If you discover a suspicious letter or package:

• Stop immediately. Do not open items any further. Do not move items or put them in water or confined spaces such as desk drawers or filing cabinets;
• Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package
• Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some type of container to prevent leakage of contents;
• If you do not have any container, then cover the envelope or package with something, i.e., clothing, paper, etc;
• Ensure the University Police are notified at ext. 3103
• Isolate the mailing and get people out of the immediate area;
• Wash your hands with soap and water;
• Notify your supervisor;
• If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder or substance. Give this list to the responding emergency personnel.
• Meet and cooperate with responding University Police Officers.

If the letter or package has been opened, call the University Police at EXT. 3103 and:

• Do not try to clean up any powder or substance, but rather cover the spilled contents immediately with anything;
• Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering;
• Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any power or other substance to your face;
• Notify your supervisor;
• Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place them 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.
• If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder or substance. Give this list to the responding emergency personnel.
• Meet and cooperate with responding University Police Officers.