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Suspicious Packages and Biological Threats

If I receive a package, what might make it "suspicious"?

  • 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.
  • Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "personal" or "confidential".
  • Shows a city or state postmark that doesn't match the return address.


What do I do if I receive a suspicious package?

  • Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
  • Place the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
  • If you do not have an appropriate container, then cover the envelope or package with anything you do have available (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
  • Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
  • Call 911.
  • List all people in room/area when the letter or package was recognized. Provide list to law enforcement agencies.


What if I spill the contents of a suspicious package?

  • Do not try to clean up the powder.
  • Cover the spilled contents immediately.
  • Turn off fans or ventilation system.
  • Shut down air handling system, if possible.
  • Leave the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading.
  • Dial 911.
  • Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag or some other sealed container. Give to emergency responders.
  • Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other disinfectant on skin.
  • List all people in the room/area and provide to law enforcement agencies.


Where can I get more information?

Arizona Department of Health Services
(602) 542-1001
http://www.hs.state.az.us/ not part of City of Scottsdale web site 		The Centers for Disease Control
1-(800) 311-3435
http://www.cdc.gov not part of City of Scottsdale web site
The John Hopkins University Center for Civilian Biodefense
http://www.hopkins-biodefense.org not part of City of Scottsdale web site 		U.S Postal Service
1-(800) ASK-USPS
http://www.usps.gov/ not part of City of Scottsdale web site