Being an alert and aware citizen is important.  Being alert includes not only noticing and reporting suspicious people, activities or vehicles in your neighborhood, but also being aware of suspicious items, which could include mail.  If you receive a suspicious package that you weren't expecting, you don't recognize the sender, or something just doesn't feel right, it's best to contact the Police Bureau to discuss your concerns.  We want to keep you informed of the latest and most reliable methods to ensure your safety and the safety of others in your home and/or workplace.

What are the Characteristics of a Suspicious Package?

The likelihood of receiving a package or letter containing dangerous substances is remote to none. However, it is important for citizens to be aware of characteristics that are common to suspicious packages. Some indicators include, but are not limited to, the following:

Mailed from a Foreign Country Excessive Postage Misspelled Words Addressed to Title Only Wrong Title with Name Rigid or Bulky

Badly Typed or Hand Written Restrictive Markings No Return Address Strange Odor Lopsided/Protruding Item Stains on Wrapping

General Precautions for Those Who Open the Mail

1. Wash your hands with warm soap and water before and after handling the mail.

2. Do not eat, drink or smoke around mail.

3. If you have open cuts or skin lesions on your hands, disposable latex gloves are an appropriate precaution.

4. Do not open, shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.

How to Deal With an Unopened Letter or Package With a Threat Notice

1. Before opening any letter or package, check the outer packaging or the envelope for threatening messages such as 'Contains Anthrax'.

2. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.

3. Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.

4. Report the incident by calling 911. Tell the dispatcher what you have discovered and what steps you had already taken.

5. Do not remove the package or envelope from the original location. Remain where you are and keep others away from the package or envelope. If you are at a workplace notify your supervisor. Request your supervisor, co-worker or emergency responder to oversee the bagged envelope or package and to keep others away to minimize contact.

6. After being relieved by your supervisor or emergency responder, wash your hands with soap and warm water for one full minute or more. Wash your face and then blow your nose. Everyone who handled the mail should do the same.

7. Return to the area to meet with law enforcement or emergency personnel.

8. List all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to the emergency responder for follow-up investigation and advice.

The 911 Dispatcher will automatically contact all needed emergency personnel on your behalf. They will see that you obtain the help you need to deal with this situation.

How to Handle an Opened Letter or Package With a Threat Notice or Suspicious Powder

1. Do Not try to Clean Up the powder.

2. Cover the spilled contents immediately with a plastic bag (using the bag like a sheet of plastic). Do not remove this cover.

3. Leave the room and close the door or section off the area and stand by to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).

4. Report the incident by calling 911. Report what you have discovered and any steps you'd already taken. If you are in a workplace also report what you have discovered to your immediate supervisor.

5. If your clothing has become contaminated, stay in place, remove your clothing and place it in a plastic bag. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.

6. Remain by the sealed area to meet with law enforcement or emergency personnel.

7. List all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to the emergency responder or law enforcement personnel.

8. Follow the advice of emergency responders concerning personal clean up.

Be Prepared to Help Law Enforcement or Emergency Responders

1. Provide the emergency responder or law enforcement with the list of all people that might have had contact with the package, the envelope or the powder.

2. Make a note of who delivered the envelope or package to you.

3. What was it that made you suspicious of the package or the envelope?

4. Have you or your workplace-received threats in the past?

5. Law Enforcement representatives will take possession of the package or the envelope. You may be required to seal the area until tests can be conducted.

6. Law enforcement or public health officials will notify you if it is determined that a biological threat was present.

Your chance of contracting any disease or illness from an envelope or other container is extremely low.