Suspicious Packages
Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives and chemical or biological agents. Be particularly cautious at your workplace.

Some typical characteristics of parcels that ought to trigger suspicion include:
  • Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
  • Have no return address or a return address that can't be verified as ligitimate.
  • Are marked with restrictive endorsements such as "Persona," Confidential" or "Do not X-ray."
  • Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors or stains.
  • Display a city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return address.
  • Are of unusual weight given their size or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
  • Are marked with threatening language.
  • Have inappropriate or unusual labeling.
  • Have excessive postage or packaging material, such as masking tape and string.
  • Have misspellings of common words.
  • Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdate.
  • Are addressed to incorrect titles or titles without a name.
  • Are not addressed to a specific person.
  • Have poorly handwritten or typed addresses.
With suspicious envelopes and packages other than those that might contain explosives, take these additional steps against possible exposure to biological and chemical agents:
  • Refrain from eating or drinking in a designated mail-handling area.
  • Place suspicious envelopes or packages in a plastic bag or some other type of container to contain potential leaks. Never sniff or smell suspect mail.
  • If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything available (e.g., clothing, paper, trash an) and do not remove the cover.
  • Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any substance to your face.
  • If you are at work, report the incident to your building security official or an available supervisor, who should notify police and other authorities without delay.
  • List all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give a copy of this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.
  • If you are at home, report the incident to local police.
Share by: