Suspicious Package / Letter Bomb
A suspicious-looking box, package, object or container in or near a work area could be a bomb or explosives. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445. Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch.
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include the following:
- Inappropriate or unusual labeling
- Excessive postage
- Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
- Misspelling of common words
- Strange return address or no return address
- Incorrect titles or title without a name
- Not addressed to a specific person
- Marked with restrictions, such as "Personal," "Confidential" or "Do Not X-ray"
- Marked with threatening language
- Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address
- Powdery substance on the package or envelope
- Oily stains, discolorations or odor
- Lopsided or uneven envelope
- Excessive packaging material, such as masking tape, string, etc.
- Excessive weight
- Ticking sound
- Protruding wires or aluminum foil
If a package or envelope appears suspicious, do not open it! Also:
- Do not shake or empty the contents.
- Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others, or allow others to examine it.
- Do not sniff, touch, taste or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled. Immediately call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
- Notify your supervisor immediately.
- Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and take action to prevent others from entering the area. If possible, shut off the ventilation system.
- Wash hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin.
- If possible, create a list of persons who may have also handled this package and describe suspicious person(s) who may have been seen in the area recently. Give this list to the public safety officer who responds to the area.
