Safety, Health, and Wellness

  • Suspicious Package Protocol/Procedures

    Suspicious Package Protocol/Procedures

    As many of you are aware, there has been a rash of suspicious package/white powder incidents over the past week in Connecticut and at other locations in the United States.  While there have been no recent threats or incidents at UConn, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of the suspicious package protocol/procedures at UConn.

    Details regarding what to do if you find a suspicious package/white power substance are located on the UConn Division of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) website and can be found at the following:  https://publicsafety.uconn.edu/emergency/hazard-guide/suspicious-package/.

    We have also developed a short video with the basic procedures in dealing with a suspicious package titled: “What You Should Do: Suspicious Object.” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaDWizYvCSg&feature=youtu.be. 

    As a quick reference, here are the details listed on the UConn OEM website that you should be aware of and follow if you find a suspicious package.

    SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE 

    You know your daily routine best. If you see any abnormal object that raises your suspicion, it is always best to let Emergency Personnel know about it. The following information is presented to assist individuals in knowing what to do when encountering a situation involving a suspicious package or item.

    STANDARD PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

    COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES

    A suspicious object may come in the form of a package or envelope. Some common characteristics include:

    • Package or envelope with suspicious leaks, stains, or powdered substances
    • Package is rigid, bulky, or has excessive tape/string
    • Poor handwriting, misspellings, improperly addressed
    • Excessive postage, no postage, or no/strange return address
    • Ticking, vibration, abnormal sounds, strange odors
    • Generic addressee and restrictive markings
    • Unexpected and from someone unfamiliar
    • Irregular placement of package/item
    • More information: U.S. Postal Service Poster

    IF YOU FIND A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE OR ITEM

    If you experience any of these characteristics, remember to stay calm and do the following:

    1. Do not touch, move, or alter the object.
    2. Inform others and keep people away from the area.
    3. Once you have left the immediate area, call 911.
      • Provide your name, location, object location, and suspicious details.
    4. Write down any information you have about the object. You can give this to Emergency Personnel when they arrive before you forget.

    IF YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE/ITEM

    If you come in contact with a package, it is important that you provide for your own safety by thoroughly washing your hands with warm soap and water and asking another person to call 911, if possible. Make note of which sink you used.

    If you are already handling a suspicious package, gently put it down in a secluded area, and step away. Then follow the steps above. Always notify emergency personnel about your possible exposure. If a hazardous material is found in the package, emergency personnel will only be able to treat you if they are made aware.

    AFTER A SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE/ITEM INCIDENT

    Follow instructions from Emergency Personnel and University Officials.

    UConn ALERT – As a student, faculty, staff member you are already be signed up for UConn ALERT to receive emergency notifications via your UConn e-mail address.  If you have not already done so, please visit UConn ALERT to ensure that your contact information is correct and to add your mobile phone number so that you can also receive UConn ALERTs via text messages.  Visit UConn ALERT at:  https://alert.uconn.edu. 

    Any questions or concerns regarding the Suspicious Package Protocol/Procedures should be directed to the UConn Division of Public Safety, Office of Emergency Management at oem@uconn.edu. 

    For more information, contact: Office of Emergency Management at 860.486.5174 or oem@uconn.edu