Attachment_(8)_Identifying_Suspicious_Packages.pdf

Attachment (8)

Identifying Suspicious Packages and Envelopes

If a package or envelope appears suspicious

DO NOT OPEN IT!!!!

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include:

• Inappropriate or unusual labeling

< Excessive postage

< Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address

< Handwritten or poorly typed addresses

< Misspellings of common words

< Strange return address or no return address

< Incorrect titles, title without a name, or not addressed to a specific person

< Marked with restrictions, such as “Personal,” “Confidential,” or “Do not x-ray”

< Marked with any threatening language

• Appearance

< Powdery substance felt through or appearing on the package or envelope

< Oily stains, discolorations, or odor

< Lopsided or uneven envelope

< Excessive packaging material such as masking tape, string, etc.

< Excessive weight

< Ticking sound

< Protruding wires or aluminum foil

• Do’s and Don’ts for handling suspicious packages

< Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or envelope.

< Do not carry the package or envelope around, do show it to others and do not allow others to examine it.

< Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents which may have spilled.

< Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Immediately leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.

< WASH hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin. Seek additional instructions for exposed or potentially exposed persons.

If you encounter a suspicious package, notify a supervisor, a security officer, or a law enforcement official immediately!!

If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who also may have handled this package or letter.

Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.