The University would like to offer several helpful, precautionary, informational steps on mail handling. This is in no way an indicator of an imminent threat against the University.

Keep in mind that a hazardous agent can be enclosed in either a package or an envelope, and its outward appearance is limited only by the imagination of the perpetrator. However, some unique characteristics may assist the identification of a suspect mailing. To apply these characteristics, it is important to know the type of mail you receive. Here are some items to remember when receiving mail:

- Mail bombs may bear restricted endorsements such as "Personal" or "Private".
These characteristics are important when the addressee does not usually receive  personal mail at the office.
- Addressee's name or title may be inaccurate.
- Return address may be fictitious or not available.
- Hazardous Mail may have distorted handwriting or the name may be prepared with homemade labels or cut and paste lettering.
- Cancellation or postmark may show a different location than the return address.
- Hazardous Mail may have excessive postage.
- Letter bombs may feel rigid, or appear uneven or lopsided.
- Package bombs may be unprofessionally wrapped with several combinations of tape used to secure the package and may be endorsed "Fragile-Handle With Care" or "Rush-Do Not Delay".
- Hazardous Mail may have an irregular shape, soft spots, or bulges.
- Hazardous Mail may make a sloshing sound. Although placed devices may buzz or tick, mailed bombs generally do not.
- Pressure or resistance may be noted when removing contents from an envelope or package.

If you are suspicious of a mailing and are unable to verify the contents with the addressee or sender:
1. Do not open.
2. Isolate the mailing and evacuate the immediate area.
3. Do not put it in water or a confined space such as a desk drawer or filing cabinet.
4. If possible, open windows in the immediate area to assist in venting potential explosive gases.
5. If you have any reason to believe a letter or package is suspicious, do not take a chance or worry about possible embarrassment if the item turns out to be innocent. Contact GW Police (994-6111). If you have any other questions about your mail service, please contact GW Mail Services (994-8705) for professional assistance.

The following information regarding handling suspicious mail is from the United States Postal Service:

What constitutes a "suspicious parcel?"
Some typical characteristics Postal Inspectors have detected over the years, which ought to trigger suspicion, include parcels that:
- are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
- are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated.
- have no return address, or have one that can't be verified as legitimate.
- are of unusual weight, given their size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped.
- are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential."
- have protruding wires, strange odors or stains.
- show a city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return address.

What should I do if I've received a suspicious parcel in the mail?

• Do not try to open the parcel!
• Isolate the parcel.
• Evacuate the immediate area.
• CONTACT UNIVERSITY POLICE IMMEDIATELY AT (859) 572-5500.

What Should I do if I Receive an Anthrax Threat by Mail?

• Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination.
• Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages are isolated and the immediate area cordoned off.
• If possible try to identify all of the people who may have come into contact with the suspicious mail.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail piece wash their hands with soap and water.
• CONTACT UNIVERSITY POLICE IMMEDIATELY at (859)  572-5500.

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