Suspicious Packages

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW

• If a package or envelope appears suspicious, DO NOT OPEN! NOTIFY PUBLIC SAFETY IMMEDIATELY!
• Alert others in the area about the suspicious package or envelope. Leave the area, close any doors, and take action to prevent others from entering the area.
• Wash hands with soap and water to prevent spreading potentially infectious material to face or skin.
• If possible, create a list of persons who were in the room or the area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized and a list of persons who may have also handled this package or letter; give this list to Public Safety.

PUBLIC SAFETY
Emergency

All Campuses
and Centers

(631) 451-4242

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and envelopes include the following:

Inappropriate or unusual labeling

• Excessive postage.
• Handwritten or poorly typed addresses.
• Misspellings of common words.
• Strange return address or no return address.
• Incorrect titles or title without a name.
• Not addressed to a specific person.
• Marked with restrictions, such as "Personal," "Confidential," or "Do not x-ray."
• Marked with threatening language.
• Postmarked from a city or state that does not match the return address.

Appearance

• Powdery substance on the package or envelope.
• Oily stains, discolorations or odor.
• Lopsided or uneven envelopes.
• Excessive packaging material such as masking tape, string, etc.

Other Suspicious Signs

• Excessive weight.
• Ticking sound.
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil.