November 2, 2001 UNT Inhouse publication: Mail safety tips: Ways to protect yourself

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Mail safety tips: Ways to protect yourself

Every day Texans flip through millions of pieces of mail that arrive at their homes or offices. Until recently, it was a chore to which few gave a second thought. Though Texas Department of Health officials report that no anthrax bacteria has been found in any Texas cases involving suspicious letters or packages, it is wise for Texans to learn how to spot and react to mail that could be harmful.

The TDH has developed a list of steps for handling suspicious letters and packages. The steps are based on a health advisory issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that also includes information about how to identify suspicious letters. The steps also include information about how to proceed if a suspicious package or letter is received, what to do if any substance spills out and even what to do in incidents in which the aerosolization of a biological agent is suspected.

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include:

Excessive postage
Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
Incorrect titles
Title, but no name
Misspellings of common words
Oily stains, discolorations or odor
No return address
Excessive weight
Lopsided or uneven envelope
Protruding wires or aluminum foil
Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
Visual distractions
Ticking sound
Restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
City or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

Steps for handling a suspicious unopened letter or package:

Do not shake or empty the contents of the envelope or package.
Put the envelope or package in a plastic bag or other container to prevent leakage the contents. If a bag or container is not available, cover the envelope or package with anything (clothing, paper, trash can). Do not remove the covering.
Leave the room and close the door or section off the area. Keep others from entering.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Report the incident to local police or other law enforcement officials. If the incident occurs in the workplace, also notify building security or a supervisor.
Make a list of all people in the room or area when the letter or package was recognized. Provide the list to law enforcement and public health officials.

Steps to follow if powder from a suspicious envelope or package has spilled out:

Do not try to clean up the powder.
Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything (clothing, paper, trash can). Do not remove the covering.
Leave the room and close the door or section off the area. Keep others from entering.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Report the incident to local police or other law enforcement officials. If the incident occurs in the workplace, also notify building security or a supervisor.
Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible. Place it in a plastic bag or other container that can be sealed. Give the bag of clothing to emergency responders.
Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.
Make a list of all people in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Provide the list to law enforcement and public health officials.

In incidents where aerosolization of a biological agent is suspected:

Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area.
Leave the room and close the door or section off the area. Keep others from entering.
Dial 911 to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office. If the incident occurs in the workplace, also notify building security or a supervisor.
Shut down the air handling system.
Make a list of all people in the room or area. Provide the list to law enforcement and public health officials.