If you suspect a bomb
If item is suspicious but threat is unknown
If you find an opened suspicious package
Characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes
If you suspect a bomb:
• Keep others away.
• Do not touch package.
• Call 911 or Public Safety at 443-5911 immediately.
•See Bomb Threat Information Page
If item is suspicious but threat is unknown:
• Do not handle the item if possible.
• 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 Department of Public Safety at 443-5911.
• A public safety officer will determine if the police need to be contacted.
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 911 or call the Department of Public Safety at x5911 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.
• Provide emergency responders information about who was in the area around the time the package was discovered.
Characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes:
• Have a powdery substance on the outside.
• Are unexpected or are 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• Are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or the addresses are outdated.
• Have no return address or an address that cannot be verified as legitimate.
• Addresses not consistent with postmarks.
• 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.