SUSPICIOUS MAIL and PACKAGES
What should you look for
Below are several
characteristics that the United States Postal Service has identified of
suspicious envelopes and packages. Pictured are letters sent to
Tom Brokaw, NBC News and Senator Tom Daschle. Both letters
tested positive for the anthrax bacteria.
ANTHRAX ATTACKS SHORTLY AFTER 9/11
BELOW ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF SUSPICIOUS LABELING TO BE AWARE OF.
If you receive a suspicious package or
envelope (with any of the above characteristics), take the
following precautions:
- Do not panic.
- Do not try to open it.
- Isolate the package or envelope.
An envelope can be placed in a plastic container and closed
tightly. Do not carry the envelope or package into other
areas since this could risk possible exposure to others.
- Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package.
- Evacuate the immediate area and close any doors leading into it.
- Do not touch your face or eyes and wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.
- If you feel that you may have
inhaled a dangerous substance, cough or blow your nose into a
tissue to minimize your risk of exposure.
- If possible, turn of local fans
or ventilation units in the area, and shut down the
building's air handling systems.
- If possible list all the people
who were in the room or area. This
will be useful for both local public health authorities for
medical follow-up, and law enforcement officials for further
investigation.
If you receive a suspicious mail at your workplace at UTMB, contact Campus Police at ext. 21111.
If the package
contains a powder or other unusual substance, also call
Environmental Health and Safety Services at ext.
21781.
If you receive a suspicious package at home or an off-campus location, call 911 to report it.