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CDC Handling Mail Fact Sheet |
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| Contacting
the FBI
Market Street, 22 Floor Newark, New Jersey 07101 Phone: (973) 792-3000 Fax: (973) 792-3035 |
October
27, 2001 18:15 EDT (6:15 PM EDT) Recommendations for Handling Suspicious Packages or Envelopes Previous CDC recommendations for handling suspicious packages or envelopes were published as part of CDC Health Advisories on October 12 and 14, 2001. These recommendations were part of guidelines for handling anthrax and other biological agent threats. The following are updated CDC interim recommendations: Handling
of Suspicious Packages or Envelopes
Do not shake or empty the
contents of a suspicious package or envelope.
Do not carry the package or
envelope, show it to others, or allow others to examine it. Put
the package or envelope on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste,
or look closely at it or any contents that may have spilled. Alert
others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the
area, close any doors, and take actions 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. Seek additional instructions for exposed or
potentially exposed persons. If
at work, notify a supervisor, a security officer, or a law enforcement
official. If at home, contact the local law enforcement agency. If
possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or area when
this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons
who also may have handled this package or letter. Give the list to both
the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials.
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HOW
TO IDENTIFY SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES AND LETTERS Some
characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include the following... Excessive
postage Handwritten
or poorly typed addresses Incorrect
titles Title, but no
name Misspellings of
common words Oily
stains, discolorations or odor No
return address Excessive weight Lopsided
or uneven envelope Protruding
wires or aluminum foil Excessive
security material such as masking tape, string, etc. Visual
distractions Ticking sound Marked with
restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential" Shows a city or
state in the postmark that does not match the return address
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