Suspicious Packages and Biological Threats

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Suspicious Packages and Biological Threats

If I receive a package, what might make it "suspicious"?

Excessive postage
Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
Incorrect titles
Title, but no name
Misspellings of common words
Oily stains, discolorations or odor
No return address
Excessive weight
Lopsided or uneven envelope

Protruding wires or aluminum foil
Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
Visual distractions
Ticking sound
Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "personal" or "confidential"
Shows a city or state postmark that doesn't match the return address

What do I do if I receive a suspicious package?
Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. If you do not have an appropriate container, then cover the envelope or package with anything you do have available (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this 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 powder to your face. Call 911 List all people in room/area when the letter or package was recognized. Provide list to law enforcement agencies.

What if I spill the contents of a suspicious package?

Do not try to clean up the powder
Cover the spilled contents immediately
Turn off fans or ventilation system
Shut down air handling system, if possible
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

Dial 911
Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag or some other sealed container. Give to emergency responders.
Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on skin.
List all people in the room/area and provide to law enforcement agencies

Where can I get more information?
Arizona Department of Health Services (602) 542-1001 http://www.hs.state.az.us/	The Centers for Disease Control 1-(800) 311-3435 http://www.cdc.gov
The John Hopkins University Center for Civilian Biodefense http://www.hopkins-biodefense.org	U.S Postal Service 1-(800) ASK-USPS http://www.usps.gov/