Suspicious Letters and Packages

Quick Tip: Do not move, open, smell, or taste. Evacuate and dial 911.

IN THE EVENT OF A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE:

  • Do not move or handle.
  • Do not open, smell, or taste.
  • Evacuate immediate area.
  • Dial 911 to report incident.

IF A PARCEL IS OPEN AND/OR A THREAT IS IDENTIFIED:

  • FOR A BOMB: Evacuate immediately.
  • FOR RADIOLOGICAL: Limit exposure and do not handle. Evacuate immediately. Shield yourself from the object.
  • FOR BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL: Limit exposure and do not handle. If exposed, isolate yourself from others to prevent spreading the agent. Flush exposed skin with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes.

A SUSPICIOUS LETTER OR PACKAGE MAY HAVE SOME OF THESE INDICATIONS:

  • No return address
  • Restrictive markings (“Personal”)
  • Postmark city different from return address
  • Fictitious, unfamiliar, or no return address
  • Address to title only (President), or an incorrect title
  • Wrong title with name
  • Ticking sounds
  • Excessive postage
  • Misspelled words
  • Badly typed or poorly written information
  • Protruding wires
  • Rigid or bulky appearance
  • Strange odor
  • Oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on wrapper
  • Excessive tape or string