Follow basic procedures for bomb threats, unusual packages

If you receive a bomb threat by phone, get as much information from the caller as possible. Keep the caller on the line and record everything said. Then notify police and building management.

If you are notified of a bomb threat, do not touch any suspicious packages. Clear the area around packages and notify police immediately.

While evacuating a building, don’t stand in front of windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas. Do not block sidewalk or streets to be used by emergency officials or others still exiting the building.

Be wary of suspicious packages and letters. They can contain explosives, chemical or biological agents. Be particularly cautious at your place of employment. Typical characteristics which should trigger suspicion include parcels that are:

• Unexpected or from someone unfamiliar.
• Have no return address, or have one that can’t be verified as legitimate.
• Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as Personal, Confidential or Do not x-ray.
• Have protruding wires or aluminum foil, strange odors or stains.
• Show a city or state in the postmark that doesn’t match the return address.
• Are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
• Marked with any threatening language.
• Have inappropriate or unusual labeling.
• Have excessive postage or excessive packaging material such as masking tape and string.
• Have misspellings of common words.
• Addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
• Have incorrect titles or title without a name.
• Not addressed to a specific person.
• Handwritten or poorly-typed addresses.

With suspicious envelopes and packages other than those that might contain explosives, take these additional steps.

• Refrain from eating or drinking in a designated mail handling area.
• Place suspicious envelopes or packages in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents. Never sniff or smell suspect mail.
• If you do not have a container, then cover the envelope or package with anything available (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove the 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.
• If you are at work, report the incident to your building security official or an available supervisor, who should notify police and other authorities without delay.
• List all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give a copy of this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.