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Receiving a Suspicious Letter or Package

If you receive a suspicious letter or package:

Do

• Call 911.
• Treat it as suspect.
• Isolate immediately.

Do Not

• Do NOT handle.
• Do NOT shake or bump.
• Do NOT open, smell or taste.

Common Features of Suspicious Packages

• Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
• Have no return address or a return address that can't be verified as legitimate.
• Are 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.
• Are marked with threatening language.
• Have inappropriate or unusual labeling.
• Have excessive postage or packaging material, such as masking tape and string.
• Have misspellings of common words.
• Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
• Have incorrect titles or titles without a name.
• Are not addressed to a specific person.
• Have handwritten or poorly typed addresses.

When Suspicious Packages are Confirmed as a Threat

If a package or letter is open and/or a threat is identified:

For a Bomb

• Evacuate immediately.
• Call 911.

For Radiological

• Shield yourself from the object.
• Limit exposure — don't handle.
• Evacuate area and call 911.

For Biological or Chemical

• Isolate — don't handle.
• Call 911.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.

Suspicious Substances in a Campus Building

If you find a suspicious substance in a campus building:

• Clear and isolate the contaminated area. Do not touch or disturb anything.
• Call University Police at 979-845-2345 or 911. For the Health Science Center, contact 911 or specific HSC campus phone numbers.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Identify individuals who may have been exposed to the material.
• Do not leave premises until dismissed by authorities.

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