Suspicious Mail
Guidelines for Packages and Letters with a
Credible Threat
I. A suspicious unopened
letter or package marked with threatening message such as
"anthrax":
-
Do not shake or empty the
contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
- Place the envelope or package in
a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of
contents.
- If you do not have any container,
the cover the envelope of package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash
can ) and do not remove this cover.
- Leave the room and close the
door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
- Wash your hands with soap and
water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
- What to do
next:
• If you are at Home, then
report the incident to local police by dialing
911.
• If you are at Work, then
report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official
or an available
supervisor.
-
List all people who were in the
room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this
list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials
for follow-up investigations and advice.
II. An envelope with
powder, or powder spills out onto surface:
-
DO NOT try to clean up the
powder. Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing,
paper, trash can, etc..) and do not remove this cover.
- Leave the room and close the
door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
- Wash your hands with soap and
water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
- What to do
next:
• If you are at Home, then
report the incident to local police by dialing
911.
• If you are at Work, then
report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official
or an available
supervisor.
- Remove heavily contaminated
clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or some other container
that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency
responders for proper handling.
- Shower with soap and water as
soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your
skin.
- List all people who were in the
room or area. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that
proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement
officials for further investigation
360 Elkwood Avenue / New Providence, New Jersey 07974 / Phone: 908-665-1111 / Fax: 908-665-9873