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Emergency Management
oneColumn handbook

Emergency Action Plan Suspicious Package

If a suspicious package is discovered on the campus, immediately contact the University Police Department (911) and provide as much information as possible. At a minimum, provide a description of the suspicious package and any specific characteristics. Do not touch the package and step away from it.

Mail Safety:

Suspicious Package - Rules of Thumb, be cautious of:

  • Grease Stains or Discoloration
  • Odors
  • Protruding Wires or Metal
  • Excessive Weight/Postage/Securing Materials (tape, string, etc.)
  • Lopsided/Uneven
  • Hand Written Address
  • No Return Address
  • Misspelled Words
  • Confidential, Personal, Open only by ________, and etc.
  • Foreign Mail

Opened Package - If an open package contains an unknown substance:

  • Place it down immediately and gently.
  • Do not shake, empty or do anything that would make the substance become airborne.
  • If available secure the package in a plastic bag.
  • Do not move the package.
  • Close doors, windows and (if possible) shutdown ventilation systems.
  • Do not allow others to enter the area.
  • Leave the room and quarantine yourself.
  • Notify the UPD (911):
  • Take all instances seriously
  • Isolate the area
  • Quarantine any affected individuals
  • Contact EH&S/UPD
  • Remain calm