Environmental Health & Safety > Emergency Preparedness > Suspicious Packages

There is always the possibility that a staff Member may receive a written Bomb Threat or a suspicious letter/parcel in the mail, or find a suspicious package on campus grounds. In such situations, the safety of persons is of paramount importance. Of secondary importance is the preservation of evidence and property.

A note/letter containing a written Bomb Threat should not be handled after the discovery is made. The item should be properly collected as evidence and sent for fingerprint and other laboratory analysis. Suspicious letter/packages should not be moved after discovery. In such situations, the Carson City Sheriff should be notified.

Be cautious of:

• Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries
• Restrictive markings such as “Confidential” or “Personal”
• Poorly typed or handwritten and/or misspelling of common words.
• Postmark that is different from the return address.
• Excessive postage.
• Unusual shape or weight or visual distractions.
• Excessive tape, string, or unusual sealing material.
• Odors, stains, or oily residues or discoloration on packages.
• Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes
• Protruding wires or tin foil
• Any powdery substance
• No or unfamiliar return address