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The likelihood of receiving a package or letter containing suspicious substances is remote. However, it is important for everyone to be aware of characteristics that are common to suspicious packages. Some indicators include, but are not limited to, the following (note diagram below):

  • Mailed from a Foreign Country
  • Excessive Postage
  • Misspelled Words
  • Addressed to Title Only
  • Wrong Title with Name
  • Rigid or Bulky
  • Badly Typed or Hand Written
  • Restrictive Markings
  • No Return Address
  • Strange Odor
  • Lopsided/Protruding item
  • Stains on Wrapping

For Suspect Envelopes or Packages:

  • Do not open, smell, or taste.
  • Do not shake or empty the contents.
  • Set package or envelope aside for review.
  • Promptly notify your supervisor.

For Packages with Identified Threats, Powder, or Suspicious Content:

    DO NOT PANIC

    TO PRESERVE EVIDENCE, AVOID ADDITIONAL HANDLING
  • Anthrax organisms can cause skin infection, gastrointestinal infection or pulmonary infection. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled. It does not leap into one's body. All forms of anthrax are generally treatable with antibiotics.
  • Anthrax cannot be easily aerosolized out of an envelope or package containing powder. The same facts and conditions are generally true for other bacteria likely to be considered as biological weapons.

Package marked with threatening message such as "Anthrax."

  • DO NOT OPEN.
  • LEAVE it and EVACUATE the area.
  • KEEP others from entering the area.

Opened letter or letter that appears empty with a threatening message.

  • Place envelope in a plastic ziplock bag.
  • Keep others from entering the area.
  • Wash hands and exposed skin (arms) with SOAP and WATER.

    • Envelope with powder.

  • DO NOT clean powder up. Keep others from entering the area.
  • WASH hands and exposed skin (arms) with SOAP and WATER.
  • DO NOT brush off your clothes.
  • REMOVE clothing and place in a plastic bag, as soon as possible. Close bag and place in second plastic bag. Clearly label and identify contents, retain for law enforcement as it may be evidence.
  • SHOWER with SOAP and WATER as soon as possible at home. DO NOT use bleach or other disinfectant.
  • PUT on fresh clothing.
  • MAKE a list of all people (names, addresses and phone numbers) who had contact with the powder and give to local public health authorities. They may be instructed to watch for fever or other symptoms over the next couple of days.

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    What constitutes a "suspicious parcel?"
    Some typical characteristics Postal Inspectors have detected over the years, which ought to trigger suspicion, include parcels that:

    • are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
    • are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
    • have no return address, or have one that can't be verified as legitimate.
    • are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
    • are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential."
    • have protruding wires, strange odors or stains.
    • how a city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return address.

     

    What should I do if I've received a suspicious parcel in the mail?

    Do not try to open the parcel!

  • Isolate the parcel.
  • Evacuate the immediate area.

    • Call a Postal Inspector to report that you've received a parcel in the mail that may contain biological or chemical substances.

    What Should I do if I Receive an Anthrax Threat by Mail?

    Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.

    • Notify your supervisor, who will immediately contact the Inspection Service, local police, safety office or designated person.
    • Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages are isolated and the immediate area cordoned off.
    • Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail piece wash their hands with soap and water.
    • The Inspectors will collect the mail, assess the threat situation and coordinate with the FBI. Designated officials will notify local, county, and state health departments. Designated officials will notify the state emergency manager.
    • List all persons who have touched the letter and/or envelope.
    • Include contact information. Provide the list to the Inspection Service.
    • Place all items worn when in contact with the suspected mail piece in plastic bags and keep them wherever you change your clothes and have them available for law enforcement agents.

    As soon as practical, shower with soap and water.

    If prescribed medication by medical personnel, take it until otherwise instructed or it runs out. Notify the Center for Disease Control Emergency Response at 770-488-7100 for answers to any questions.