Suspicious Mail Precautions

• No return address or return address differs from postmark.
• Foreign postmarks and writing, or misspelled words.
• Addressed to title only or wrong title with name.
• Marked personal, confidential, private, special delivery, or do not x-ray, etc.
• Excessive postage.
• Peculiar odors, (such as shoe polish or almonds).
• Oily stains, ink stains, discoloration, or crystallization of wrapper.
• Wires, strings, or foil sticking out.
• Excessive tape or sealing material or inner sealed enclosure.
• Items containing a powder-like or unusual substance.
• Unusual or abnormal shape, size, or weight.
• Lopsided or uneven, rigid or bulky.

Do's and Don'ts

• Don’t open, touch, move, shake, or immerse in water any suspicious packages or letters.
• Don’t cut tape, strings, or other wrappings.
• Don’t taste or smell package or its contents.
• Do report all suspicious packages and letters to the authorities.
• Do wash your hands immediately after handling the mail.
• If suspicious mail is believed to be a bomb evacuate the building and call 911.
• If suspicious mail is believed to contain a chemical or biological agent isolate the area and those exposed. If exposed wash hands and exposed skin with warm soapy water. Call 911.
• If suspicious mail is believed to contain a radiological threat evacuate the area and call 911.