Indentifying a Suspicious Package

A suspicious letter or parcel might have some of the following indicators:

• Origin – Postmark or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no further address is given.
  
• Postage – Excessive or inadequate postage.
  
• Balance – The letter is lopsided or unusually thick.
  
• Weight – The letter or package seems heavy for its size.
  
• Contents – Stiffness or springiness of contents: protruding wires or components: oily outer wrapping or envelope: feels like it contains powdery substance. (When checking, do not bed excessively.)
  
• Smell – Particularly almond or other suspicious odors.
  
• Writing – Handwriting of sender is not familiar or indicates a foreign style not normally received by recipient. Common words or names are misspelled.
  
• Rub-on block lettering.

Handling a Suspicious Package

• Do not excessively handle or open a suspicious package.
  
• Immediately segregate it in an unused room or space.
  
• Attempt to verify the sender and/or the legitimacy of the package (i.e. ask the recipient if he/she was expecting a package that matched the suspect package's size and shape.)
  
• If the letter or parcel remains suspect, call the police (dial 911) and notify the Property Management.

Incident Response Protocol for Suspect Hazardous Release

• Contain the material to minimize the impacted area:
  
• Contain the material to minimize the number of individuals exposed:
  
• Contain the potential impacted individuals to ensure that they receive proper medical attention:
  
• Remove non-impacted individuals from the area as quickly as possible:
  
• Maintain control of all potentially impact materials.