Police Department

SUSPICIOUS MAIL and PACKAGES

What should you look for

Below are several characteristics that the United States Postal Service has identified of suspicious envelopes and packages. Pictured are letters sent to Tom Brokaw, NBC News and Senator Tom Daschle.  Both letters tested positive for the anthrax bacteria.

If you receive a suspicious package or envelope (with any of the above characteristics),  take the following precautions:

• Do not panic.
• Do not try to open it.
• Isolate the package or envelope.  An envelope can be placed in a plastic container and closed tightly. Do not carry the envelope or package into other areas since this could risk possible exposure to others.
• Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package.
• Evacuate the immediate area and close any doors leading into it.
• Do not touch your face or eyes and wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.
• If you feel that you may have inhaled a dangerous substance, cough or blow your nose into a tissue to minimize your risk of exposure.
• If possible, turn of local fans or ventilation units in the area, and shut down the building's air handling systems.
• If possible list all the people who were in the room or area.  This will be useful for both local public health authorities for medical follow-up, and law enforcement officials for further investigation.

If you receive a suspicious mail at your workplace at UTMB, contact Campus Police at ext. 21111. 

If the package contains a powder or other unusual substance, also call Environmental Health and Safety Services at ext. 21781.

   If you receive a suspicious package at home or an off-campus location, call 911 to report it.

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