Anyone handling mail and packages should be alert to suspicious-looking items, and
should regularly, reasonably and prudently examine those materials before opening
them. Indicators or characteristics that should cause the materials to be treated
as suspect, especially if the materials are not expected, include, but are not limited
to:
Letters and packages delivered by someone other than regular carriers
Packages wrapped in string (modern packaging materials have eliminated the need for
twine and string)
Excess use of securing material, i.e., tape
Packages that are lopsided, heavy sided, or have lumps, bulges, or protrusions
No postage, non-canceled postage or excessive postage;
Handwritten notes
Packages or letters that have no return addresses or nonsensical return addresses
Letters or packages arriving before or after phone calls asking if the items were
received
Unusual sounds coming from the item, such as sloshing or ticking
If you believe a letter or package is suspicious, follow these instructions:
Stay calm—do not panic
Do not move or handle a suspicious package
Call the UBalt Police Department at 410.837.4444 or 911 immediately
If there is reason to suspect that a package may contain an explosive device based
on any of the characteristics described above, do not handle the package
If the suspicious letter or package is marked with a threatening message or if a suspicious
powder or substance spills out of a package or envelope, follow these guidelines:
Do not clean up any suspicious powder, liquid or residue
Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area if you suspect that a device
has been activated and the fan/ventilation switches are quickly and easily accessible
Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from
entering
Call for help and keep others away from the area
Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any substance to your face
Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag
or some other container that can be sealed; give clothing bag to emergency responders
Shower with soap and water—do not use bleach or other disinfectant—as soon as possible
if contaminated
List all persons who were in the area when the suspicious package was recognized,
and provide this list to the UBalt Police Department for follow-up investigations
and to ensure everyone involved can receive advice from local public health authorities
and outside law enforcement officials
If a suspicious letter or package is found on or near the UBalt campus, emergency
responders will assess the situation. Your sole responsibility is to provide them
with any information that may assist in their investigation.
