Suspicious Package or Mail

Characteristics of a Suspicious Mail or Package

Some typical characteristics, which in combination may trigger suspicion, are:

• • Restricted markings such as “personal” or “special delivery.”
  • No return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
  • A city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.
  • Unusual weight based on size.
  • Lopsided or oddly shaped, strange odors, oily stains, crystallization, protruding wires, rigid or bulky, excessive tape or string.
  • No return address.
  • Poorly handwritten.
  • Excessive postage.
  • Misspelled words.
  • Incorrect titles.
  • Foreign postage.
  • Strange sounds.
  • Restrictive notes.
  • Unexpected delivery.

 

If you notice a suspicious package or mail

DO NOT:

• • Use two-way radios or cellular phone; radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb.
  • Activate the fire alarm.
  • Touch or move a suspicious package.

 

DO:

• • Call Campus Security 740-283-6911or 911 to initiate an emergency response when you are a safe distance away from the mail or package.
  • Evacuate the building until police or emergency personnel arrive and evaluate the threat.

 

If you open mail or a package containing suspicious material or alleged to contain suspicious material:

• • Set it down where you are.  Do not move the contaminated material.  If any material spills out of the package, do not try to clean it up and do not brush off your clothes as this could disperse the material into the air.
  • Close the door to the area where the suspicious parcel was opened and do not allow others to enter the area.
  • Call Campus Security 740-283-6911 or 911 to initiate an emergency response when you are a safe distance away from the mail or package.
  • Evacuate the building until police or emergency personnel arrive and evaluate the threat.