Safety & Risk Management

Characteristics of Suspicious Packages:

Mail bombs may have an excessive amount of postage stamps affixed. Commercial return addresses usually use postal meters and are careful to use an accurate amount of postage. Letter bombs may feel rigid, appear uneven or lopsided, or be thick (1/4" or greater). Parcel bombs may be unprofessionally wrapped, with several combinations of tape used to secure the package. They may be endorsed "Fragile," "Handle with Care,", "Do Not Delay," "Personal," "Open This End," or "Private." Parcel bombs may make ticking, buzzing, or sloshing sounds. They may also be wet, stained, have a chemical odor or have protruding wires. Mail bombs may be addressed in distorted handwriting, or the name and address may be prepared with homemade labels or cut-and-paste lettering. The return address may be missing.

If You Suspect a Mail Bomb:

Do not open the package or letters. Isolate the package or letter in a dry area, open windows and evacuate the immediate are. Do not cover the package or place it in a confined space such as a desk or file cabinet. Do not get the package wet. Call Public Safety at 2111.