DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

you or someone in your office receives a bomb threat, do the following...• If you ever receive a bomb threat, get as much informationfrom the caller as possible (e.g. what kind of bomb, whatdoes it look like, where is it, when will it go off, etc.)• Try to keep caller on phone as long as you can and writedown everything that is said! (Since you’ll be nervous orscared, good notes will be very helpful to officials later.)• Notify the police and building management.• Calmly evacuate the building, keep the sidewalks clearand stay away from windows.What if you or someone in your office receives a “suspicious package”?According to the United States Postal Service, the likelihood of you everreceiving a bomb in the mail is remote. But there have been a smallnumber of explosive devices and biological agents that have surfaced in themail over the years. Some possible motives for an individual or groupsending a “suspicious package” include revenge, extortion, love triangles,terrorism, and business disputes.The following are some unique signs or characteristics from the U.S. PostalInspection Service that may help identify a “suspect” piece of mail ...• Package may have restricted markings like “Personal” or“Private” to one who doesn’t receive personal mail atoffice or to someone no longer working there.• Package is sealed with excessive amounts of tape or hasway too much postage on it.• Postmark city different than Return Address city.• Misspelled words, written badly or done with letters cutfrom newspaper or magazine and pasted on.• Package has wires or aluminum foil sticking out, oilstains, smells weird or sounds funny (sloshing noise).• Package may feel strange or look uneven or lopsided.If you are unsure about a letter or package and are not able to verify theSender or contents with the person it is addressed to then...• DO NOT open it, shake it, bump it or sniff it!• Cover it with a shirt, trash can or whatever is handy.• Evacuate the area quickly and calmly.• Wash your hands with lots of soap and water.• Call building security, police and your postal inspector.• List all the people who were near the package or letterin case they are needed for further questioning.110 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325