• If you receive or observe a suspicious piece of mail, package or material, do not move, open, cover or interfere with it.
• Move people away from suspicious items.  Avoid contaminating other areas and people.
• Call the police immediately at 911 (or on the Ithaca campus call 607 255-1111 from a cell phone) from a safe location.
• Be prepared to give the location of the item, the context of what you’ve observed, and your name and phone number.
• Follow directions of the police. Do not create panic. If you are told to evacuate, follow your unit’s evacuation procedure.
•  Characteristics of a suspicious piece of mail or package that is received unexpectedly or is unknown may include:
  • excessive postage
  • misspellings of common words
  • excessive weight
  • rigid envelope
  • foreign mail, air mail, or special delivery
  • handwritten or poorly typed address
  • restrictive markings; such as confidential, personal, etc.
  • an excessive amount of securing material used, such as masking tape, string, etc.
  • incorrect titles
  • oily stains or discoloration
  • visual distractions
  • lopsided or uneven writing
  • titles but no names
  • no return address
  • protruding wires or foil

Download this Suspicious Mail Poster from the United States Postal Service and post it in your workplace.