A. If you get something suspicious in your mail:
- Do NOT open the package/letter.
- If the package/letter has already been opened do not clean up any powder that may have spilled out. Stay away from the area and keep others away as well. Notify local law enforcement officials and the FBI. Most states have a local FBI field office. To find out where the nearest FBI field office is to you click here.
- If the package/letter is not open place it inside a plastic bag and then place the bagged letter in another plastic bag (double-bag it). Ziploc bags work best as long as you ensure it is sealed properly. Garbage bags work as as long as you double-bag and seal the bags by tying the opening in a knot. Twist ties can come undone and the bags can reopen.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and warm water. It is best to wash your hands twice and scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Rinse off your hands with warm water for at least 10 seconds. If you use a cloth towel to dry your hands it would be a good idea to place that towel in plastic bags as well.
- Notify local law enforcement officials and the FBI.
- Notify local (usually your county health department) and state health officials.
- Evacuate the area. Take some more plastic bags with you and some paper and pen/pencil (see items 9 and 11 below).
- Ensure that all persons who have handled the letter wash their hands.
- Start a list of names and telephone numbers of all persons who have handled the letter.
- Get information on the signs and symptoms of the illnesses associated with the microbe you have been potentially exposed to and decide who you will contact if illness develops.
- Double-bag all clothing items worn when in contact with the letter into plastic bags.
- Keep these bags with you so they will be available for law enforcement officials when they arrive.
- As soon as possible shower with soap and warm water. Shower for at least 15 minutes.
B. If someone is doing something suspicious, like standing on top of a building spraying stuff in the air, report their activities to local law enforcement officials. Describe exactly what and where they are performing these suspicious activities.
C. People who think it is funny to place suspicious substances in various locations should be reported to local law enforcement officials. IT IS NOT FUNNY. It is illegal to cause unnecessary panic and is the wrong thing to do. People who do these things should be in jail. Don't second guess and assume it
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