Suspicious Mail

Suspicious Mail Procedure

  • Assess the situation to confirm employee's report of suspicious mail
  • Call 911
  • Make certain immediate area has been evacuated
  • Close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering
  • Evacuate the building; make certain all evacuated personnel stay together outside until the police arrive.
  • Give police a list of all individuals who were in the immediate area at the time
  • Identify to police the individual who reported suspicious mail and remain on the scene to assist in any way possible.

Characteristics Of Suspicious Mail

  • Excessive postage
  • Excessive weight
  • Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
  • Incorrect titles
  • Title but no name
  • Misspellings of common words
  • Oily stains, discoloration or odor
  • No return address
  • Lopsided or uneven envelope

Procedure If You Open Mail And Powder Spills Out Onto Surface

  • Do not try to clean up the powder. Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
  • Then leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away). Limit your contact with others.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
  • Report the incident to University Police at 911, and notify your supervisor.
  • Remove heavily contaminated clothing immediately and place in a sealable bag. Give to emergency responders for proper handling.
  • Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.
  • If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to both the University police so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.

UNH Inter-Departmental Mail Security

  • Keep all mailroom doors locked.
  • Make sure all mail drops are in secure areas.
  • Use of envelopes with holes is encouraged for all inter-campus mail.
  • Limit number of people handling mail.
  • All inter-departmental mail should include a return address.