SECTION XV: ANTHRAX AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL AGENT THREATS:

A. Handling of Suspicious Packages or Envelopes

1. Identifying Suspicious Package or Envelope

Inappropriate or Unusual Labeling

• Excessive postage.
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses.
• Misspellings of common words.
• Strange return address or no return address.
• Incorrect titles or title without a name.
• Not addressed to a specific person.
• Marked with restrictions, such as “Personal,” “Confidential, or “Do not x-ray.”
• Marked with any threatening language.
• Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address.

Appearance

• Powdery substance felt through or appearing on the package or envelope.
• Oily stains, discolorations, or odor.
• Lopsided or uneven envelope.
• Excessive packaging material such as masking tape, string, etc.

Other Suspicious Signs

• Excessive weight.
• Ticking sound.
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil.

If a package or envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT.

2. Protocol for Handling Suspicious Packages or Envelopes.

• Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
• Do not carry the package or envelope, show it to others or allow other to examine it.
• Put the package or envelope down on a stable surface; do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at it or at any contents that may have spilled.
• Cover the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove the cover.
• 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.
• Notify law enforcement, your supervisor, and the Risk Manager.
• 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 this list to your supervisor, Risk Manager and law enforcement agency.

3. Envelope or Package with Powder and Powder Spills Out onto Surface

• DO NOT try to clean up the powder. COVER the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this 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.
• Report the incident to law enforcement, your supervisor and Risk Management.
• Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag or other container that can be sealed. This bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
• Shower with soap and water as soon as possible.
• If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to Risk Management and law enforcement.

4. Evacuation Procedure

• All employees shall in a safe and orderly manner exit the building. However, employees shall remain in the vicinity of the building until released by Public Health and Law Enforcement.
• The employee(s) who handled the envelope or package or were in the immediate vicinity of the envelope or package shall exit the building in a safe and orderly manner, but shall separate themselves from other employees who were not in the immediate vicinity of the envelope or package. All employees shall not leave until released by Public Health and Law Enforcement.

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Copyright © 2001 County of Inyo
Last Updated: October 13, 2005