Briefings

Federal Protective Service Guidance on
How to Handle Suspicious and Possibly Contaminated Mail
UPDATED 10/18/01

Background:

This information provides guidance to associates of GSA-managed properties concerning the general handling of mail and for steps to take in the event a suspicious letter, package, or object is encountered.  These procedures are being provided due to the current threat that presently exists regarding mail that could be tainted with anthrax or some other biological agent.
 

General Precautions for Mail Handling:

• Examine unopened envelopes/packages
• Handle incoming mail in a designated area used only for mail.
• If the envelope/package does not appear to be suspicious as outlined below, proceed to open mail
• Restrict access to mail room to only authorized individuals

Types of suspect mail:

• Excessive postage, no postage, or non-canceled postage
• No return address or fictitious return address
• Improper spelling of addressee names, titles, or locations
• Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries
• Suspicious or threatening messages written on packages
• 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 "Fragile-Handle with Care", "Rush-Do Not Delay", "Personal" or "Confidential"
• Rigid, uneven, irregular, or lopsided packages
• Packages that are discolored, oily, or have an unusual odor
• Packages with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Visual distractions

If you have opened the letter or package and you don't see any powder or other questionable substance, no one is at risk from anthrax.  No decontamination of treatment is necessary.
 

If you receive a suspicious package, letter, or object:

• Remain calm.
• Do Not Open the package or letter.


[Note:  The Center for Disease Control recommends the following steps:
Double-bag the letter or package in zipper-type or zip-lock type plastic bags using latex gloves, if possible, and a particulate mask.]

• If no container is readily available, cover the package or envelope with anything available (e.g., trash can, clothing, paper) and do not remove the cover.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or any other part of your body.
• Shut off any window air conditioning unit, fan, or other source of equipment that creates air movement.
• Isolate the package and close off the room by shutting all doors and windows.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
• Immediately report the incident to your immediate supervisor and both local police and the FBI (using 911 will connect you to these sources) who will arrange to collect the suspicious letter and assess the threat situation.
• GSA's Federal Protective Service should also be contacted at this time regarding incidents in Federal buildings.
• When calling the Federal Protective Service, local law enforcement agency, or servicing emergency medical service, provide the following information:  your name, location, a number you can be reached at and as comprehensive as possible description of the object.
• Remain in the area outside of space where suspected object is located and advise fellow co-workers to avoid the area.
• Cooperate with responding law enforcement and emergency medical units.
• Do not leave area until instructed to do so by responding units.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the letter wash their hands with soap and water.
• List all persons who have touched the letter, envelope or package and provide the list with contact information to the appropriate personnel.
• Place all items worn at the time in plastic bags and keep them available for law enforcement should they request them.
• Shower with soap and water as soon as possible.

DO NOT PANIC:

     Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs.  Usually the  organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be treated after exposure to the anthrax spores with the appropriate antibiotics.

     Anthrax cannot be spread from one person to another person.
 
 

USE THE FOLLOWING FEDERAL PROTECTIVE SERVICE NUMBERS IN AN EMERGENCY

MEGACENTERS (Life Threatening Emergencies)

MEGACENTER
(Washington Metropolitan Area)
Life Threatening Emergencies (202) 708-1111

MEGACENTER
(Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia)
Life Threatening Emergencies 1-800-525-5726

MEGACENTER
(Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
Life Threatening Emergencies and Non-Emergencies (877) 825-9334
(Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
Life Threatening Emergencies and Non-Emergencies (877) 719-4894
(Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
Life Threatening Emergencies and Non-emergencies (877) 264-7650

MEGACENTER
(Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, U.S. Territory of the Pacific)
Life Threatening Emergencies (303) 236-2911