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CAMPUS
ALERT: Handling Suspicious Mail (Rensselaer Office of Public Safety)
Recent
national events have raised concern about how to recognize and handle
suspicious mail or packages. This notification is intended to share
information concerning the proper handling of any suspicious letter
or package in order to reduce the anxiety caused by these incidents.
We issue the following guidelines:
- AN EXAMINATION
OF PACKAGES OR LETTERS PRIOR TO OPENING IS A PRUDENT COURSE OF
ACTION.
WHAT IS
SUSPICIOUS? Typical characteristics:
-
Mail
from someone unfamiliar to you. Know your sender.
-
Has
no return address, or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
-
Has unusual weight, is lopsided, is oddly shaped, and is oddly
sealed.
-
Has
strange odors or stains.
-
May
be marked "Rush," "Personal," "Confidential,"
etc.
-
Shows
a city or postmark that does not match the return address.
- If you
think it is suspicious, treat it as suspicious.
UNOPENED
MAIL THAT APPEARS TO BE SUSPICIOUS:
-
DO NOT
OPEN IT.
-
Leave
the package or letter where it is. Do not pass the letter or
package to others. Call Public Safety immediately at ext.
6611. Off-campus, dial 911. Wash your hands with soap and water.
-
Wait
nearby for the Public Safety officer.
-
The Public
Safety officer will decide what further precautionary steps
are to be taken, if any.
IF
YOU HAVE OPENED SOME MAIL AND FOUND THAT IT CONTAINS AN UNKNOWN
SUBSTANCE:
- Do not
try to clean up the contents (powder).
- Cover
the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing,
paper, trash can, etc.). Do not remove this cover.
- Leave
the room and close the door, or section off the area to prevent
others from entering. Try to isolate yourself.
- Wash
your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder
to your face. Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Call
Public Safety immediately at ext. 6611. Off-campus,
dial 911. Wait nearby.
- You will
receive immediate directions and help.
- Remain
calm. Do not panic.
The
Department of Public Safety will coordinate with local law enforcement
and fire officials.
For
more information, go to http://www.bt.cdc.gov/DocumentsApp/Anthrax/10122001Handle/10122001Handle.asp
Special Edition of
Campus.News home page.
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