Call 911 immediately for directions and follow the guidelines below

To prevent exposure and subsequent infection from anthrax or other biological agents, all persons should learn how to recognize a suspicious package or envelope and take appropriate steps to protect themselves and others.

Identifying Suspicious Packages and Envelopes

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 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.

Other suspicious signs

• Excessive weight.
• Excessive packaging material such as masking tape, string, etc.
• Ticking sound.
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil.

Handling of Suspicious Packages or Envelopes

If possible, do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.

• Isolate suspicious packages.
• Avoid handling the package with bare hands. If possible, contain the item in a plastic bag.
• Do not sniff, touch, taste, or look closely at the item or any of its contents.
• Alert others in the area about the suspicious item. Leave the area, close any doors, and take actions to prevent others from entering the area.
• NOTIFY LAW ENFORCEMENT
• List all persons, including their contact information, who have touched the letter and/or envelope AND all persons who were in the room or area when the suspicious letter or package was recognized.
• WASH HANDS with soap and water to prevent spreading the potentially infectious material to face or skin.
• Place all items worn when in contact with the suspected mail piece in plastic bags; consult with law enforcement prior to washing in hot water or disposal.

For more information call:
The Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program
Region 1 of Washington State
425-339-5278.

All information in this document was obtained from the CDC or USPS. 4232003DM