GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING SUSPICIOUS LETTERS/PACKAGES

GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING SUSPICIOUS LETTERS/PACKAGES

It is important to be alert for suspicious letters and packages. Individuals around the state and nation have received letters alleged to contain anthrax, most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances. However, a mail bomb or actual package of anthrax is a very rare occurrence. It is also extremely unlikely that a terrorist would target an average citizen.

Most unopened packages or letters are safe to handle as they have already been handled extensively by the postal system. The following general guidelines are provided to assist in safe mail handling. First consider throwing away all unsolicited junk mail without opening. Review and become familiar with the possible characteristics of suspicious mail from the list below.

Characteristics Of Suspicious Letters/Packages

· 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
· Rigid or uneven envelope
· Protruding wires or aluminum foil
· Excessive security materials such as masking tape or string
· Visual distractions
· Ticking sound
· Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
· Homemade labels, or cut and paste lettering
· Package may bear endorsement such as "Personal" or "Private"