3.14 Suspicious Mail Guidelines

Letters and parcels that contain an improvised explosive device (IED) or a biological contaminant may:

Have a powdery substance on the outside.
Be unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
Have excessive postage, a handwritten or poorly typed address, incorrect titles or titles with no names, or misspellings of common words.
Be addressed to someone no longer with your organization or be otherwise outdated.
Have no return address or an address that cannot be verified as legitimate.
Have an unusual amount of tape.
Be marked with a restrictive endorsement such as “Personal” or “Confidential.”
Have a strange odor or stain.

3.14.1 Mail Threats—Suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED)

IEDs can fit inside a letter or small package. If you suspect mail may contain an IED:

Do not handle the object.
Leave the area immediately.
Call building security (if available), the police, or 911 (or your local emergency number).
Contact postal inspectors if the item was mailed.
Do not use two-way radios or cell phones.
Do not turn lights or electronic devices in the area on or off.

If you suspect a biological contaminant:

Do not touch, smell, taste, or try to analyze the substance.
If you have already handled the letter or package, place the item on the nearest surface and step away. Wash your hands with soap and warm water in the immediate area if possible.
Keep others away from the area.
Call building security (if available), the police, 911 (or your local emergency number), the local fire department, or the local hazmat unit.
Contact postal inspectors.
Remain in the immediate area to avoid spreading contamination.
Wait for emergency response or trained medical and decontamination personnel to arrive.