Mail and package delivery to each department should be screened for suspicious letters and/or packages. Some common features of threat letters/packages include the following, but the presence of one or more of these elements does not always mean that the package is suspicious. In the final analysis, this evaluation depends upon the judgement of the individual screening the mail.
Potential Elements of Suspicion:
- Fictitious, unfamiliar or no return address
- Handwritten or poorly typed address, misspelling of common words
- Address to a title only or an incorrect title
- Excessive postage, string or tape on package
- Restrictive markings such as “Confidential”, Personal, etc.
- Excessive weight and/or feel of a powdery or foreign substance
- Discoloration or stains
Do Not Open or Handle
Suspicious letters and packages should not be opened and should not be handled any more than is necessary. If there is nothing leaking from the suspicious item, leave it alone and CALL UNIVERSITY POLICE. Keep others from the area.
Letter or Package Claiming Contamination
If you open a letter/package with information that claims to have contaminated you, but there is no substance seen or felt in the envelope or on the letter, the chances are that you have not been contaminated. CALL UNIVERSITY POLICE and tell them exactly what has happened. They will dispatch the appropriate personnel to your location to follow up on your possible exposure and to document what has taken place. Secure the area until the University Police arrive. DO NOT HANDLE suspicious items anymore.
Letter or Package with a Foreign Substance
If you open a letter/package that claims to have contaminated you or there is some sort of foreign substance in the envelope or package, place the letter back into the envelope/package and close it back up. The person that opened the envelope/package and anyone who came in contact with the envelope/package or its contents after it was opened should immediately leave the room and wash their hands with soap and water. Remove clothing that has the substance on it and place the contaminated clothing in a plastic trash bag. Then wash your hands with soap and water. CALL UNIVERSITY POLICE to report the incident.
The Risk will be Evaluated and Further Measures Taken if Necessary
The University Police and the local Fire Department can evaluate the risk to those in the room at the time of potential exposure as well as any impact on the remainder of the building. Based upon that risk assessment, further emergency measures may be implemented as necessary. If the risk is found to be minimal, other areas of the facility will not be disrupted and any necessary actions to return to the area involved to normal activity will begin as soon as possible.