Suggested Procedures For Dealing With Suspicious Mail And Anthrax Threats
What is a “suspicious” letters or parcel?
Some typical things that should trigger suspicion include letters or parcels that:
- Have any powdery substance on the outside.
- Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
- Are addressed to someone no longer with your agency or are outdated.
- Have no return address, or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate.
- Are of unusual weight, oddly shaped or lopsided.
- Have unusual amount of tape on them.
- Marked with restrictive endorsements such as “Personal” or “Confidential”.
- Have strange odours or stains.
- Post mark doesn’t match the return address.
What procedure should be followed for suspicious parcels or letters?
- Do not open the letter or parcel.
- Isolated the item.
- Evacuate the immediate area.
- Call your supervisor immediately to report that you have e received a letter or parcel that may contain a harmful biological or chemical substances.
- Call 911 and report the concern so that local hazardous material management agencies and/or police enforcement agencies can investigate.
- If you have been in contact with the suspicious parcel or letter, wash your hands immediately. Then contact your doctor or go to an emergency department of your local hospital.
What procedure should be followed if an Anthrax Threat is received by Mail?
- Do not handle the item.
- Notify your supervisor who must contact the local police, safety officials or health department to investigate.
- Isolate the item and cordon of the immediate area.
- Ensure that all who have contacted the item wash their hands with soap and water.
- All persons who have touched or come in contact with the item should be listed for possible medical follow up.
- All items or clothing that may have also come in contact with the suspicious mail should be placed in a plastic bag.
- Shower with soap and water as soon as possible.
- Contact your doctor.
Protecting Workers from Biological Terrorism Index
