How to handle suspicious mail and packages
Oct. 25, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- In light of recent events around the country
and as an essential precaution, Western Michigan University has
issued procedures to its faculty and staff for handling suspicious
letters, packages and bio-threats.
The procedures, which are offered below, are being distributed
in paper and electronic form to all University offices. All faculty
and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these
procedures. Any students who handle or distribute mail as part
of student employment in a University office should be instructed
by their supervisor to familiarize themselves with the procedures.
Procedures for Handling
Suspicious Letters, Packages and Bio-Threats
Western Michigan University is committed to ensuring the safety
of our students, faculty, and staff. In light of recent acts
of bio-terrorism around the country, many of us are concerned
about the safety of items sent through the mail. To reduce the
probability that anyone handling mail at the University could
be exposed to false or real safety and health threats (biological,
chemical, bombs) via the mail, all members of the campus community
are encouraged to become familiar with the following procedures.
Please disseminate this document to all individuals who handle
or open mail.
Procedures are based on information provided by the FBI, Postal
Service, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department
of State.
Suspicious Mail
Awareness. All faculty, staff, and students should maintain
an enhanced awareness when handling and opening mail.
Identifying. Some typical characteristics of letters
and packages which ought to trigger suspicion:
- Excessive postage, no postage, or non-canceled postage.
- No return address or fictitious return address.
- Misspelling words or improper addressing.
- Mail addressed to a title or office only, or to an incorrect
title or office.
- Unexpected mail from foreign countries.
- Suspicious or threatening messages written on exterior of
mail.
- Postmark showing different location than return address.
- Distorted handwriting or "cut and paste" lettering.
- Unprofessionally wrapped packages or excessive use of tape,
strings, etc.
- Packages marked as "FragileHandle with Care,"
"RushDo Not Delay," "Personal," or "Confidential."
- Rigid, uneven, irregular, or lopsided packages.
- Packages that are discolored, oily, leaking substances, or
have an unusual odor or ticking sound.
- Packages with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight.
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil.
- Visual distractions.
Action-If you are uncomfortable about a letter or package:
- Do not open it.
- Do not shake or empty out its contents.
- Cover the item with anything available (trash can, paper,
etc.) and do not remove this cover.
- Wash your hands with an antibacterial product.
- Notify your supervisor and Public Safety (387-5555).
- Leave the room and close the door or section off the area
to keep others away from the item.
- Prepare a list of people who were in the room or area when
the suspicious item was recognized or who may have handled the
item.
Items With Threats or Unidentified Substances
Action-If you open a letter or package with a threat or containing
an unidentified substance:
A. If the package does not contain a substance:
- No one, including the person who opened the item, is at immediate
risk, however:
- Notify your supervisor and Public Safety (387-5555).
B. If the package does contain a substance:
- Do not panic. Remain calm and follow these instructions.
- Do not shake or empty out its contents.
- Do not touch, taste, smell, or try to identify the substance.
- Do not carry the item to another location; leave item where
it is.
- Cover the item with anything available (trash can, paper,
etc.) and do not remove this cover.
- Turn off any circulating fans, air conditioners, or heaters.
- Wash your hands with an antibacterial product. If you touched
the substance, do not touch your face.
- Notify your supervisor and Public Safety (387-5555).
- Leave the room and close the door or section off the area
to keep others away from the item. You should remain in the area
to minimize spread of the substance.
- Alert others to keep away from your area (supervisor should
take on this task).
- Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and follow their instructions
regarding changing of clothing and further decontamination.
- Prepare a list of people who were in the room or area with
the item.
Action-If there is a small explosion or aerosol spray from
a letter or package:
- Vacate the space immediately and prevent others from entering.
- Notify your supervisor and Public Safety (387-5555).
- Wash your hands with an antibacterial product. If you touched
the substance, do not touch your face.
- Wait for emergency personnel to arrive and follow their instructions
regarding changing of clothing and further decontamination.
- Prepare a list of people who were in the room or area with
the item.
For More Information
You can find more information about bio-threats on the following
Web sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <www.cdc.gov>
Federal Bureau of Investigation <www.fbi.gov>
Environmental Protection Agency
Chemical Emergency Preparedness & Prevention Office <www.epa.gov/swercepp>
United States Postal Service <www.usps.com/news/2001/press>
Media contact: Thom Myers, 616 387-8400, thomas.myers@wmich.edu
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