Suspicious Packages

The following characteristics may identify suspicious parcels:

• Unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
• Addressed to someone no longer with your organization or otherwise outdated (i.e. improper title).
• No return address or one that can t be verified as legitimate.
• Has any powdery substance on the outside.
• Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as Personal or Confidential.
• Producing wires, strange odors or stains.
• Has an unusual amount of tape.
• Has excessive postage applied to the parcel?
• A city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.

If you receive a suspicious parcel in the mail:

• Do not open the parcel.
• Isolate the piece of mail.
• Call Campus Safety for additional instructions.
• Do not pass the letter/parcel to others.
• Deny access to the letter to everyone except emergency responders.
• Move to an area that minimizes exposure to others and to the parcel.
• If possible, wash your hands and face with soap and water.

If you open a parcel that appears to be contaminated:

• Do not remove the parcel.
• Call 911 and then notify Campus Safety.
• Turn off any fans, window air conditioners or space heaters.
• Isolate the area. Evacuate the adjoining areas and report to a preplanned assembly area.
• Do not pass the letter/parcel to others. Deny access to the letter to anyone except the emergency responders.
• Anyone in contact with the parcel should remain isolated in an area adjacent to the original location and wait for additional instructions from emergency responders.
• If possible, anyone who had contact with the parcel should wash their face and hands with soap and water.