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If
there is a suspected piece of mail, follow the latest CDC recommendations:
Steps
for handling a suspicious unopened letter or package:
-
Do not shake or empty the contents of the envelope or package.
-
Put the envelope or package in a plastic bag or other container
to prevent leakage of the contents. If a bag or container is not
available, cover the envelope or packages with anything (clothing,
paper, trash can, etc.). Do not remove the covering.
-
Leave the room and close the door or section off the area.
-
Ask co-workers and others to leave and keep others from entering.
-
Wash your hands with soap and water.
-
Do not bring the envelope or package to an emergency department
or doctor's office.
-
Report the incident to local police or other law enforcement officials.
If the incident occurs in the workplace, also notify building
security or a supervisor.
-
Make a list of all people in the room or area when the letter
or package was recognized. Provide the list to law enforcement
and public health officials.
-
For incidents involving a possibly contaminated letter, the environment
in direct contact with the letter or its contents should be decontaminated
with a solution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water,
following a crime scene investigation. Personal affects may be
decontaminated similarly.
Steps
to follow if powder from a suspicious envelope or package has spilled
out:
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Do not try to clean up the powder.
Cover the spilled contents immediately with anything (clothing,
paper, trashcan, etc.). Do not remove the covering.
-
Leave the room and close the door or section off the area. Ask
co-workers and others to leave and keep others from entering.
-
Wash your hands with soap and water.
-
Do not bring the envelope or package to an emergency department
or doctor's office.
-
Report the incident to local police or other law enforcement officials.
If the incident occurs in the workplace, also notify building
security or a supervisor.
-
Remove heavily contaminated clothing and other personal items
as soon as possible. Place it in a plastic bag or other container
that can be sealed. Give the bag of clothing to emergency responders.
-
The bag should be labeled clearly with the owner's name, contact
telephone number and inventory of the bag's contents.
-
Shower with lots of soap and water as soon as possible. Do not
use bleach or other disinfectant on your skin.
-
Make a list of all people in the room or area, especially those
who had actual contact with the powder. Provide the list to law
enforcement and public health officials.
-
For incidents involving a possibly contaminated letter, the environment
in direct contact with the letter or its contents should be decontaminated
with a solution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water
following a crime scene investigation. Personal affects may be
decontaminated similarly.
In incidents where a biological agent is suspected in the air:
-
Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area.
-
Leave the room and close the door or section off the area. Ask
co-workers and others to leave and keep others from entering.
-
Dial 911 to report the incident to local police and the local
FBI field office. If the incident occurs in the workplace, also
notify building security or a supervisor.
-
Shut down the air handling system.
-
Make a list of all people in the room or area. Provide the list
to law enforcement and public health officials.
-
For incidents involving a possibly contaminated letter, the environment
in direct contact with the letter or its contents should be decontaminated
with a solution of one part household bleach to 10 parts water
following a crime scene investigation. Personal affects may be
decontaminated similarly.
Complete
CDC guidelines, including tips for identifying suspicious letters
or packages, are available on the Internet at www.bt.cdc.gov.
These recommendations will be updated as new information becomes
available.
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