Emergency Management

Let’s Talk About Suspicious Packages and Letters

The likelihood of encountering anthrax or any other biological agent through the mail is extremely small. The likelihood of actually contracting a disease through this manner is even smaller. However, it is prudent and important that each of us become informed and remain aware of information related to this possible criminal act.

What are the characteristics of a suspicious package?

Although the likelihood of receiving a package or letter containing suspicious substances is remote, it is important for citizens to be aware of characteristics that are common to suspicious packages. Some indicators include, but are not limited to:

	Mailed from a foreign country
	Excess postage
	Misspelled words
	Addressed to title only
	Wrong title with name
	Rigid or bulky
	Badly typed or hand-written
	Restrictive markings
	No return address or one that cannot be verified (this alone is rarely sufficient to cause the letter to be considered suspicious)
	Strange odor
	Lopsided or protruding items
	Stains on wrapping
	Threatening remarks or phrases contained on the envelope or within the contents

It is important to recognize that a package or letter should be surveyed with these indicators in mind but one should not necessarily become alarmed simply because one of these may be present; for example, simply because there is no return address. Look at the package as a whole and determine if the item is suspicious in your own mind.

What do I do if I receive a suspicious package or letter?

	Leave the letter or package alone. Do not move, shake or empty the contents. If possible, gently place in a plastic bag or other container.
	Leave the vicinity immediately and secure the area so that nothing in the area can be touched.
	Any individuals who open or have contact with the letter or package containing an unknown substance should thoroughly wash their hands with warm water and a disinfecting soap.
	Call 9-1-1 and report the suspicious letter or package.
	Remain on the location until emergency personnel arrive. Then identify yourself as the person who handled the letter or package.

What are the City of Bedford’s procedures for responding to suspicious packages?

Bedford Fire and Police personnel will be dispatched to the location. A determination will be made to the credibility of the threat and the likelihood of an exposure having occurred. If it is determined that there is a credible threat, the material will be sent out for testing and the results will be forwarded to the person or company. The individual will be advised to follow up with his or her physician. If a criminal act is suspected of having been committed, an investigation will be conducted. Do not panic!

Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system or the lungs. To do so, the organism must be rubbed into broken skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.

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