Suspicious Packages
Dear NAA Members:
In the wake of the recent spate of package explosions in Texas, we wanted to alert all of you to some necessary precautions to take. Even thought this was a situation recently limited to Texas, it could happen anywhere. What is best is to proceed with caution. Many local authorities are suggesting it is not necessary to change your practice of accepting packages but that it is important to remain vigilant in examining the packages you do receive. You may have heard some of these recommendations in the media, and many are common sense, but they all bear repeating. Please feel free to share with your employees and residents as you see fit. We would suggest sharing on your resident portal, posting in your package pick-up area and common areas, and perhaps even distributing to each unit.
What to look for:
- Any powdery substance on the outside
- Odors emanating from package
- Stains on the package
- A package the recipient is not expecting
- A package with a return address unfamiliar to the recipient
- A package with no return address
- A tracking number (USPS uses a 22-digit number that can/should be verified at usps.com), accepting scan, delivery scan or arriving scan markings along with markings including city i.d. and processing date
- Excessive postage
- Illegible handwriting
- Oddly sized packages
- Protruding wires
- Excessive tape
- "Personal" or "Confidential” marking
What to do:
- Assuming there is no powder on the package, isolate it in a safe area. (Do not touch further and wash your hands thoroughly if there is powder.)
- Call 911
You may want to post the USPS guidelines in your workplace.
NAA and its affiliates will continue to monitor guidance on suspicious packages and keep members apprised of any new developments. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bob Pinnegar, CAE
President & CEO