Public awareness of mail bombs has increased
at all levels, including university mailrooms
and offices. To apply proper safety procedures,
it is important to know the type of mail normally
received and be aware of the following:
-
Mail bombs come in letters,
books, and packages of various sizes, shapes,
and colors
-
Letter texture may feel ridged,
look uneven or lopsided, or feel bulkier than
normal
-
Excessive amounts of postage
may be present—often far more than needed
-
Sender is unknown or there
is no return address
-
Handwritten notes appear
such as “rush” “personal” or private”.
-
Addressee normally does not
receive mail at the office
-
Cut or pasted homemade labels
are used for lettering
-
The letter or package may
emit an odor or appear to have been disassembled
and re-glued
-
Distorted or foreign writing
is present
-
Resistance or even pressure
is felt when trying to remove contents from
package
-
Several combinations of tape
are used to secure the package
-
Contents of parcel may slosh
or sound like liquid; some packages may emit
a buzzing sound.
If a suspicious piece of mail is received and
its contents cannot be verified, the following
protocol applies:
-
Stop. Do not open the item.
Do not panic.
-
Isolate the letter, parcel,
or package. Note:
All people should be asked to leave the area
quickly. The package should be observed from
a safe distance until the bomb squad arrives.
-
Call the department of public
safety (x3636).
-
Have Public Safety contact
the bomb squad.
-
Never move or place the item
in water, a drawer, or a cabinet.
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