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Suspicious Letter or Package

A suspicious letter or package is a piece of mail which may contain a written threat of violence or a harmful substance such as an explosive, radiological, biological, or chemical substance. Suspicious letters and packages are often identifiable by any the following traits:

  • No return address
  • Excessive postage
  • Strange stains, odors, or sounds
  • Marked with restrictions, such as “Personal,” “Confidential,” or “Do not x-ray”
  • Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
  • Misspelled words
  • Foreign postage
  • Addressed to no specific person
  • Powdery substance felt through envelope

Suspicious letters and packages may pose a threat to the health and safety of the recipient as well as people in the vicinity and should therefore be handled with caution.

If you receive a suspicious letter or package, take the following actions:

  • Call 911. Report the threat to law enforcement authorities. Be prepared to provide a description of the suspicious letter or package.
  • Handle with care. Do not open, smell, or taste the item. Avoid shaking or bumping the letter or package. Isolate the item away from yourself and others.
  • Wash hands. If the package is already open and you have identified the substance as being radiological, biological, or chemical, you should wash your hands with soap and water immediately.
  • Exit the building. If instructed by emergency response personnel, evacuate the building immediately. Be sure to secure or take with you any personal items.
  • Go to the designated assembly area. Go to and remain at the designated assembly area until instructed by emergency responders to move to another location. Attempt to account for all building occupants once at the assembly point. Obey the instructions of emergency response personnel at all times.

Posted on Oct 28, 2010 - 12:48 PM

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