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Washington
University
in
St. Louis
Suspicious
Mail
US Postal Service Suspicious Mail Alert (pdf file):
http://www.usps.com/news/_pdf/poster.pdf
"When should I be concerned about an envelope or
package?"
An envelope or package is
generally deemed “suspicious” if any of the below indicators are present:
·
items that are hand-addressed, perhaps with misspellings
·
items with no return address
·
items with a return address that doesn't match the postmark
Other causes for concern are:
·
wires protruding from a package or envelope
·
an oily stain on the outside
·
an oddly shaped package or one of unusual weight given its
size
·
powder or granules in or on an envelope or package
·
excessive postage.
What should I do?
General:
-
Common sense and care should be used in inspecting and opening mail or
packages.
-
Examine unopened envelopes for foreign bodies or powder.
- Do
not open letters with your hands: use a letter opener.
-
Open letters and packages with a minimum of movement to avoid spilling any
contents.
Types of letters or packages
that may be suspect:
-
Any letter or package that has suspicious or threatening messages written
on it.
-
Letters with oily stains.
-
Envelopes that are lopsided, rigid, bulky, discolored, or have a strange
odor.
-
Envelopes with no return address.
-
Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries.
- No
postage, non-cancelled postage, or excessive postage.
-
Hand-written address, perhaps improper spelling of common names, places,
or titles.
For suspect envelopes or
packages:
- DO
NOT OPEN THE ENVELOPE OR PACKAGE.
-
LEAVE it and EVACUATE the room.
- DO
NOT shake, empty, or disturb the contents.
-
KEEP others from entering.
-
WASH your hands with soap and water.
-
NOTIFY your supervisor and call WUPD (935-5555) at the Danforth Campus,
Protective Services (362-4357) at the Medical School or 9-911 from all
other campuses or activate any Blue Light Emergency Phone. For off-campus
emergencies, call 911.
For letters or packages that are
opened and which contain powder:
- DO
NOT PANIC. Anthrax organisms can cause skin infection, gastrointestinal
infection, or pulmonary infection. To do so, the organism must be able to
enter the skin through a cut or scrape or be swallowed or inhaled as a
fine, aerosolized mist. It does not leap into the body. All forms of
disease are generally treatable with antibiotics.
-
Gently close the suspicious letter or package and place it on the nearest
flat surface.
·
Do not shake, empty, or disturb the contents of any suspicious
envelope or package.
·
Do not attempt to smell or to closely examine any powder or
suspicious substance.
·
Do not carry the letter or package for others to examine.
·
Do not place the letter or package in a plastic bag or other
container.
·
Do not attempt to clean up any spilled powder.
·
Do not attempt to cover any spilled powder.
-
Leave the room immediately and close the doors.
-
Wash your hands with soap and water if a sink is available. Do not use
bleach or disinfectants on your skin.
-
Notify your supervisor and call WUPD (935-5555) at the Danforth Campus,
Protective Services (362-4357) at the Medical School or 9-911 from all
other campuses or activate any Blue Light Emergency Phone. For off-campus
emergencies, call 911.
-
Wait in an adjacent area until responders arrive.
- Do
not allow others to enter the area.
- Do
not touch your eyes, nose, or any other part of your body.
- If
clothing is heavily contaminated, don't brush vigorously.
-
Obtain modesty garments from responders and remove contaminated clothing
and place in a plastic bas as soon as possible. Shower with soap and
water.
-
Make a list all of the people who were in the room or area when the
suspicious letter or package was recognized.
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