In light of the need for heightened safety and security precautions, the University had issued the following protocol, dated October 17, 2001. The procedures outlined in it are being coordinated among Information Technology, the Mail Center, and the Department of Security and Safety.

St. Lawrence University is taking the following steps concerning the safety of mail on campus:

We are reviewing mail-handling procedures with all staff, including student staff The Security Department, in coordination with the Canton Police Department, has established a formal protocol for responding to suspicious letters or packages The United States Postal Service advises that they handle and deliver 208 billion pieces of mail per year. Presently, there have been only a very few confirmed incidences of anthrax being sent through the mail.

What constitutes a suspicious parcel?

Some characteristics Postal Inspectors have detected over the years to trigger suspicion include:

• Unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you
• Addressed to someone no longer with your organization or otherwise outdated
• No return address, or has one that can't be verified as legitimate
• Unusual weight, given the size, or are lopsided or oddly shaped
• Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential."
• Have protruding wires, strange odors or stains
• Shows a city or state in the postmark that doesn't match the return address

What should I do if I've received a suspicious parcel in the mail?

• Do not try to open the parcel! Isolate the parcel
• Evacuate the immediate area
• Call security and safety (x5555) to report that you have received a suspicious parcel
• Do not handle the mail piece or package suspected of contamination
• Make sure that damaged or suspicious packages are isolated and the immediate area cordoned off
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the mail piece wash their hands with soap and water
• List all persons who have touched the letter and/or envelope. Include contact information
• Place all items worn when in contact with the suspected mail piece in plastic bags and keep them wherever you change your clothes and have them available for law enforcement agents
• As soon as practical, shower with soap and water

 

Visit these sites for more information about suspicious packages:

US Postal Service Message to Customers How to Handle Anthrax - CDC Health Advisory