There have been several incidents in the United States of people being exposed to anthrax spores distributed by mail. While there is no information to suggest a threat against LifeScan, in the current environment we do need to be alert. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Postal Service, and the Federal Bureau of  Investigations have published guidelines to inform citizens of what steps they should take when handling mail. It is important not to panic, because false alarms can overload emergency response systems-making it difficult for rescue and emergency staff to respond to legitimate concerns.

Click here to view the FBI Advisory

People handling mail should therefore be aware of the guidelines to follow if they receive or notice a suspicious piece of mail. This is a particularly important for staff in mail rooms or other areas where bulk incoming mail is handled, however anyone may be exposed to a suspicious piece of mail at work or at home.

Factors that will help identify suspicious letters or packages

The likelihood of receiving a package or letter containing suspicious substances is remote. Everyone receives mail that we are not expecting or from someone (often a business or credit card company) we do not know. So, how do we decide whether or not to open it? US Postal Inspectors and the FBI indicate that suspicious mail or parcels could include one or more of the following characteristics:

	Excessive postage;
	Incorrect titles;
	Title but no name;
	Misspelling of common words;
	Handwritten or poorly typed addresses;
	Oily stains, discolorations or odor;
	No return address;
	Excessive weight;
	Lopsided or uneven envelope;
	Protruding wires or aluminum foil;
	Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc;
	Visual distractions;
	Ticking sound;
	Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as 'Personal' or 'Confidential';
	Shows a city, state or province in the postmark that does not match the return address.

One or more of the above does not automatically make the mail / package dangerous. Instead, it should cause you to use extra caution when deciding whether to accept the item, and when opening it.

How to decide if an unopened letter or package is suspicious

	If there is a ticking sound or protruding wires or aluminum foil, then it should automatically be regarded as suspicious.
	The addressee should be contacted to see if the letter or package is expected.
	A letter or package can be regarded as suspicious when it is obviously not promotional/marketing mail, the addressee has examined it and at least three suspicious features (see above) have been identified.

How to deal with a suspicious unopened letter or package

Should any suspicious letters or packages be identified, then:

	Remain calm;
	Do not shake or empty contents of envelope or package;
	Place the envelope or package into a plastic bag;
	If you have been wearing protective gloves then place them into the same bag;
	If hands or any part of the body may have come into contact with the envelope or package then wash with soap and water;
	Call the Security Operations Center at extension 3888. Tell the Security Operations Center personnel where you are and what the emergency is. They will call 911 and ensure that Security and Milpitas Emergency Services are directed to the proper location.

How to deal with a suspicious opened letter or package

Use the same procedures for unopened letters and packages (above), and also:

	Put on gloves;
	Place opened letter/package in a plastic bag;
	If contents spilled; Don't clean up or wipe spilt contents; Clear the area of people; Isolate the area; Switch off air conditioning; Wash hands with soap and hot water.
	If contents are spilt on clothing; Select a room for changing; Remove clothing and place in plastic bag; Shower with soap and hot water; Change into other clothes.
	Call the Security Operations Center at extension 3888. Tell the Security Operations Center personnel where you are and what the emergency is. They will call 911 and ensure that Security and Milpitas Emergency Services are directed to the proper location.