VOLUME 13, NUMBER 03 • OCTOBER 19, 2001

Defending against bioterrorism: How to recognize and handle a suspicious package

In the past week, there have been several news reports of individuals receiving packages containing anthrax or other suspicious substances. Although there has been no such incident at Rockefeller, the university would like everyone to know about the university procedures for chemical, biological and radioactive threats, which includes guidelines for individuals who receive a suspicious letter or package.

Characteristics of suspicious letters/packages include:

• 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 in the postmark that does not match the return address

According to the university’s "Chemical, Biological and Radioactive Threat Procedures," a person receiving a letter/package threat should do the following:

1. Remain calm. If the letter/package states a threat but there are no obvious materials (e.g. liquids, creams, gels, powder) or obvious contaminants (e.g, discoloration, staining) in the letter or package, put it down.

Call 1111 and report that you received a "threatening letter" and, if the information is available, state what type of threat (e.g., chemical, biological, radioactive) was received. If possible, close the door to the room where the letter is, and restrict access to the room. Do not leave the immediate area until Security has arrived.

2. If the letter or package contains suspicious materials, (e.g. liquids, creams, gels, powder, discoloration, staining), with or without any written threats, put it down.

Call 1111 and report that you have received a potentially contaminated letter/package. If the information is available, state what type of contaminant (e.g. chemical, biological, radioactive) it appears to be. If possible, close the door to the room where the letter/package is and restrict access to room. If a sink is readily available, wash your hands with soap and water. Do not leave the immediate area until Security has arrived.

Security will notify and summon appropriate response personnel, and will secure the area and the individual.

Please call Amy Wilkerson, senior director of Laboratory Safety and Environmental Health, x8324; Cathy Yarbrough, vice president of Communications and Public Affairs, x7121; or Joe Nekola, senior director of security, x8506, if you have questions about the university’s emergency response plans.