Suspicious Packages & Envelopes

If you suspect a bomb:

If you suspect a biohazard or chemical material:

If item is suspicious but threat is unknown:

Isolate the suspicious item.
Report the item to your supervisor.
Attempt to confirm the contents without opening.
Contact the addressee, if identified.
Contact the sender, if practical.
Contact the local police at 585-2113. If they are unable to respond, follow their verbal instructions.
Notify members of local Emergency Response Team by dialing 9-911.

If you find an opened suspicious package:

Do not touch the package.
Report the package to your supervisor.
Secure the area and do not allow entry.
Call 9-911 and advise them of the package.
Any employee who had direct contact with package should wash her/his exposed skin with soap and water.
Wait for emergency responders to arrive and follow their directions.
Advise emergency responders information on who was in the area around the time the suspicious package was discovered.

Characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes:

Have a powdery substance on the outside.
Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed addresses, incorrect titles with names, or misspellings of common words.
Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are outdated.
Have no return address or have ones that cannot be verified as legitimate.
Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
Have an unusual amount of tape, string, or other wrapping material on them.
Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Fragile" or "Personal" and "Confidential" or "Rush-Do-Not-Delay."
Have strange odors or stains.
Appear to contain electrical wire or tin foil.
Addresses not consistent with postmarks.

For Suspicious Packages Dial: 9-911