GUIDELINES FOR IDENTIFYING AND HANDLING MAIL PIECES AND PACKAGES SUSPECTED OF CONTAINING A THREAT

REMAIN CALM: DO NOT GET EXCITED OR EXCITE OTHERS

A. Characteristics of a suspicious parcel
· Unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
· Addresses to someone no longer with your agency or an otherwise outdated address.
· No return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
· Unusual weight, given its size or lopsided.
· Restrictive markings such as "personal" or "Confidential".
· Exhibits protruding wires, strange odors or stains.
· Postmarked from a city which does not match return address.
· Displays distorted handwriting or addresses with homemade labels or cut and paste lettering.
· Unprofessionally wrapped or secured with combinations of tape.
· Excessive postage.

B. What to do if you receive a suspected explosive device.
· Do not try to open the parcel.
· Isolate the parcel.
· Evacuate the immediate area.
· Notify your supervisor and he/she will notify TEMA (615) 741-0001 or
1-800-262-3300.

C. What to do if you receive an Anthrax threat by mail.
· Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.
· Double bag the letter or package in zipper type or zip-lock type plastic bags using latex gloves.
· Wash your hands with soap and water.
· Notify your supervisor and call TEMA (615) 741-0001 or 1-800-262-3300.
· Make sure that all suspicious packages are isolated and the immediate area cordoned off.
· Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail piece wash their hands with soap and water.
· List all persons who have touched the letter and/or envelope, including contact information.
· If the package or letter has been opened and powder spills out DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN IT UP, KEEP OTHERS AWAY FROM THE AREA.
· TEMA will coordinate the response and notify all necessary emergency and law enforcement agencies.

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