Suspicious Package Screening: Those who are responsible for receiving and opening incoming mail should be aware that anthrax threat letters to the organization are possible. In general, a package or letter should be considered suspicious if you notice one or more of the following:

• No return address and/or a handwritten or poorly typed address.
• Excessive weight and/or the feel of a powdery substance.
• Leaking powder or liquid.
• Protruding wires.
• Common words misspelled.
• Threatening messages written on the outside.
• The word Anthrax appears on the outside.
• Contents feel uneven or bunched up.
• Restrictive markings such as "confidential" or "personal".

If the Package is Not Opened: Don't open a suspected package. If it appears suspicious based on some of the guidelines above do not open it. If there is nothing leaking out and it has not been opened then probably no one is at risk and decontamination or treatment will not be necessary. Call 9-1-1 to report the letter and tell the dispatcher that the letter has not been opened and there is no substance leaking out.

If the Package is Opened but Nothing is Visible: If the package is marked as contaminated and has been opened but no substance is visible then probably you have not been contaminated. Call 9-1-1 and tell the dispatcher that you opened a package that could be contaminated but saw no suspicious substance. Stay in your work area. Wash your hands with soap and water if it can be accomplished without leaving the work area. Keep the package still and do not move it from the work area. Do not touch or rub your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands. If others were present when the package was opened keep them in the area as well. Have someone shut down the HVAC system for that area if this is possible. Stay calm and follow the officer's direction when they arrive.

If the Package is Opened and Agent is Visible: If you open a package and discover a suspicious agent such as a white powder in the package you may have been exposed. Remain calm. Call 9-1-1. Tell the dispatcher that you opened a letter and there was something in it. Be prepared to describe the substance. Do not leave your work area. Do not disturb the package further. If others have been contaminated or become contaminated have them remain in the room with you. All others should leave the room. Follow the instructions of the officer when they arrive. Remain calm. Don't forget, antibiotics are available to treat the exposure.

When you call 9-1-1 be ready to answer the following questions:

1. Is the product visible or has it been released into the air?
2. Does anyone require emergency medical care? What is needed?
3. Has entry to the exposed area been isolated?
4. Have the people who have been exposed been identified and isolated?
5. What does the substance look like?
6. Does the substance emit an odor? (Do not sniff to find out)
7. What did the package look like?  How is it marked, what size, etc.?
8. Is it in a special type of container?
9. Has the HVAC system been shut down to that area?
10. Where should emergency workers respond in the facility?

Never Open a Suspicious Letter!