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Protocol
for Identifying and Handling a Suspicious Package and What to Do
in the Event of a Hazardous Discharge
To the Penn
Community: We are all aware of recent occurrences of bioterrorism
in the United States. At this point, neither Philadelphia nor any
university has had any incidents of bioterrorism, and we have no
reason to believe that will change. However, while the risk of contracting
any disease from the mail is extremely low, it is important that
we remain vigilant in taking precautions against this potential
threat.
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Be
aware that suspicious packages often have certain distinctive
characteristics, including:
-
Handwritten or poorly typed address.
Excessive postage.
- Misspellings
of common words.
- Restrictive
markings such as Personal or Confidential.
- Stains,
discoloration, or odors.
- No
return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate.
- Excessive
securing material, such as masking tape, or string.
- Lopsided
or uneven envelope.
- Powdery
substance on the outside.
If you
encounter a suspicious letter or package:
-
Do not open it.
- Set
it aside. Leave the room. Close the door.
- Wash
hands with soap and warm water for one minute.
Contact
Penn Police (511 on campus, 215-573-3333 off campus).
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If
upon opening a letter or package you come in contact with
a suspicious substance:
- Do
not try to clean it up.
- Leave
the room and close the door.
- Wash
hands with soap and warm water for one minute.
- Do
not brush substance from clothing.
- If
possible, remove clothing containing substance and isolate
for further evaluation.
- If
possible, isolate area immediately surrounding the substance.
- Contact
Penn Police.
If
you suspect that the substance has become airborne:
- Turn
off fans or ventilation units in the area.
- Leave
area immediately.
- Close
the door or section off area to keep others away.
- Call
Penn Police.
- Shut
down air handling system in the building, if possible.
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In order to
keep the Penn community fully informed, the Office
of Public Safety will conduct information sessions Thursday
and Friday on these and other related topics. Your safety remains
our top priority and we will continue to provide information when
and as necessary. Be sure to regularly check the University's emergency
information site (www.upenn.edu/directories/emergency.php)
for additional information.
--Judith
Rodin, Robert Barchi and John Fry
The
US Post Office web site offers tips at www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_1010tips.htm.
Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 9, October 23, 2001
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ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:
Tuesday,
October 23, 2001
Volume 48 Number 9
www.upenn.edu/almanac/
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