Suspicious Packages/Mail Proceedure

General Guidelines for Handling Suspicious Mail

• As a precaution, all employees processing mail should wear protective gloves. Since some people are allergic to latex, nitrile gloves are recommended.
• If you have identified a suspicious package. DO NOT handle, shake or empty it. Do not carry to other areas or show it to other people. If anything spills out, DO NOT try to clean it up.
• Cover any spilled contents immediately. You can use clothing, paper, or a trashcan. Do not remove the covering materials from the spill.
• Notify Maintenance immediately (extension 2770).
• Isolate all suspicious packages and seal off the immediate area. If possible, place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other container to prevent leakage. All personnel should leave the room. If possible, turn off airflows, such as fans or air conditioning in the room.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail wash their hands with soap and water. Make a list of anyone who has handled/or come in contact with the mail. Include contact information and provide this to the responding EMS personnel and Campus Security.
• As soon as practical, employees who have come in contact with any contamination should shower and place all clothing in plastic bags. The clothing should be made available to the police responding to the reported incident. Contain the potentially impacted individuals to ensure that they receive proper medical attention.
• Attempt to verify the sender and/or the legitimacy of the package (i.e. ask the recipient if they were expecting a package that matches the suspect package’s size and shape).

Things to Look For When Inspecting Mail

• Origination postmark or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no return address is given; if given, can’t be verified as legitimate.
• Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.
• Excessive or inadequate postage.
• Mailed from foreign country
• Handwriting of sender is not familiar or indicates a foreign style nor normally received by recipient.
• Addressed to title only or incorrect title; addressed to someone no longer with your organization.
• Misspellings of common words or names.
• Restrictive markings, i.e., “PERSONAL, EYES ONLY”, or “SPECIAL DELIVERY”
• Rub-on block lettering.
• The letter is lopsided, unusually thick or contained in an uneven envelope.
• Excessive weight; the letter or package seems heavy for its size.
• Damaged envelope(s) or packages.
• Stiffness or springiness of contents; protruding wires, aluminum foil or components; oily outer wrapping or envelope; feels like it contains powdery substance (when checking, do not bend excessively).
• Oily stains, discoloration; package/letter emits an odor, particularly almond or other suspicious odors.
• Crystallization or powdery substances on wrapper.
• Ticking sound.

Things to Look For When Opening Mail

• Powders
• Soil
• Sand
• Liquids of any kind, any color
• Oily or soapy residues
• Sticky or adhesive substances
• Flakes
• Crystals
• Fibers