Emergency Preparedness

Suspicious Letters and Packages

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Quick Tip: Do not move, open, smell, or taste. Evacuate and dial 911.


Suspicious Letters and Packages

IN THE EVENT OF A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE:

  • Do not move or handle.

  • Do not open, smell, or taste.

  • Evacuate immediate area.

  • Dial 911 to report incident.


IF A PARCEL IS OPEN AND/OR A THREAT IS IDENTIFIED:

  • FOR A BOMB: Evacuate immediately.

  • FOR RADIOLOGICAL: Limit exposure ¿ do not handle. Evacuate immediately. Shield yourself from the object.

  • FOR BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL: Limit exposure ¿ do not handle. If exposed, isolate yourself from others to prevent spreading the agent. Flush exposed skin with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes.

    • (Source: FBI General Information Bulletin 2000-3)


Suspicious Indicators

A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE MAY HAVE SOME OF THESE INDICATIONS:

  • No return address.

  • Restrictive markings ("Personal").

  • Postmark city different from return address.

  • Fictitious, unfamiliar, or no return address.

  • Address to title only (President), or an incorrect title.

  • Wrong title with name.

  • Ticking sounds.

  • Excessive postage.

  • Misspelled words.

  • Badly typed or poorly written information.

  • Protruding wires.

  • Rigid or bulky appearance.

  • Strange odor.

  • Oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on wrapper.

  • Excessive tape or string.

    • (Source: FBI General Information Bulletin 2000-3)

Page last modified September 15, 2010