How to Handle Suspicious Mail

What constitutes a suspicious letter or parcel?

Some typical characteristics which ought to trigger suspicion include letters or parcels that:

• Have any powdery substance on the outside.
• Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
• Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no name, or misspellings of common words.
• Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
• Have no return address, or have one that can't be verified as legitimate.
• Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
• Have an unusual amount of tape.
• Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential."
• Have strange odors or stains.
  

 

What Should I do if I Receive an Anthrax Threat by Mail?

• Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.
• Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages are isolated and the immediate area cordoned off.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail piece wash their hands with soap and water.
• Notify your local law enforcement authorities.
• List all persons who have touched the letter and/or envelope. Include contact information and have this information available for the authorities.
• Place all items worn when in contact with the suspected mail piece in plastic bags and have them available for law enforcement agents.
• As soon as practical, shower with soap and water.
• Immediately Report the incident to the Western Region Security Office on 206-526-6653, 206-526-6571, 206-526-4317 or 206-526-4100 (24hr emergency number).
  

The mail is safe! People shouldn't stop using the mail because of these isolated incidents. The simple act of paying attention to incoming mail will go a long way in keeping it safe and viable. Everyone, in the mailing community, as well as the American public, should exercise common sense.

Additional Information:

• Federal Protective Service Guidance on How to Handle Suspicious and Possibly Contaminated Mail
• "SUSPICIOUS MAIL ALERT" Print size: 8.5" x 11" PDF file (340Kb)
• FBI Advisory: What to do if you receive a suspicious letter or package (972Kb)
• Mail Bomb Recognition (96Kb)

TRAINING - HOW TO RESPOND TO AN ANTHRAX THREAT

BASIC-LEVEL: (For people who sort, deliver, and open mail)

• Provides the facts about anthrax;
• Identifies what to look for in a suspicious letter or package;
• Outlines steps to take if anthrax is suspected; and
• Tells you who to call if you receive a threat.

        BASIC FREE ON-LINE SLIDE PRESENTATION

• Download Slide Presentation Here

ADVANCED-LEVEL: (For Managers and Trainers)

• Forms that anthrax may take;
• Symptoms and effects of an anthrax exposure;
• Treatment if exposed to anthrax;
• Steps to take immediately if anthrax is suspected;
• Resources available to help in the event of a threat.

       ADVANCED FREE ON-LINE SLIDE PRESENTATION

• Download Slide Presentation Here
• Download PDF Version Here