Suspicious Mail or Package
Characteristics of Suspicious Letter or Package
Some typical characteristics, which in combination may trigger suspicion are:
- Restricted marking such as "Personal" or "Special Delivery"
- No return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate
- A city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
- Unusual weight based on size
- Lopsided or oddly shaped, strange odors, oily stains, crystallization, protruding wires, rigid or bulky, excessive tape or string, or if the package is making a noise
If you receive a suspicious letter or package:
- Do not try to open it.
- Isolate it
- Call Public Safety at 717-291-3939
If you open a parcel containing suspicious material or alleged to contain suspicious material:
- Immediately set it down where you are
- Do not move the suspicious material
- If any of the contents or a substance spills out of the letter or package, do not try to clean it up and do not brush off your clothes as this could disperse material into the air
- If the material is corrosive or presents an immediate danger, wash or rinse your hands
- Close the door to the area where the suspicious parcel was opened and do not allow others to enter the area
- Call Public Safety at 717-291-3939
- Remain at the scene to answer questions from emergency service personnel
- If anyone enters the closed area in which the suspicious letter or package is located, that person should also remain at the scene.
