Guidelines for Handling Mail

IF YOU RECEIVE A LETTER OR NOTE THREATENING BIOLOGICAL  the risk of contracting any disease from an envelope is extremely low; however, general awareness of suspicious mail is appropriate. The following has been provided by the United States Postal Service.

 General Precautions:

• Wash your hands before and after you handle mail.
• Latex gloves may be appropriate, especially if you have cuts or skin lesions on your hands.
• Do not smoke, eat or drink around mail.

Safety Guidelines:

If a letter is received that contains powder or a written threat:

• Do not panic
  
  • Do not shake, empty, walk around, or discard the envelope.
    
• Do not touch, smell or taste the powdery contents.
  
  • Isolate the specific area of the workplace where the envelope was opened and make sure no one disturbs the area.
  • It is NOT necessary to evacuate the entire workplace at this point.
  • Contact Security at extension 5000 immediately and provide information concerning the incident.
  • Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least one minute.

• Do not allow anyone to leave the area who may have also touched the envelope and advise them to wash their hands as well.