Littleton New Hampshire Fire Department

New Hampshire Department of
Health and Human Services

Update of Center for Disease Control Guidelines for Mail Handling
(Suspicion of Anthrax)

Suspicious unopened letter or package

1. Do not shake or open the letter or package.

2. Using plastic or rubber gloves, place the envelope or package in a plastic bag. If you don't have a bag, cover the letter or package with anything (e.g. paper, clothing).

3. Everyone should leave the room and close the door.

4. Wash hands with soap and water.

5. At work, notify supervisor and report incident to local law enforcement At home, call your local law enforcement.

6. Await further instructions from responding law enforcement agents.

When powder substance spills from an opened letter or package

1. Don't try to clean any spillage. Immediately cover any spilled contents with anything (e.g. paper, clothing).

2. Everyone should leave the room and close the door.

3. Wash hands with soap and water.

4. At work, notify supervisor and report incident to local law enforcement At home, call your local law enforcement.

5. A wait further instructions from responding law enforcement agents.

* According to the CDC, some characteristics of suspicious letters and packages include: * excessive postage * handwritten or poorly typed addresses * incorrect titles * title, but no name * misspellings of common words * 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 sounds * marked with restrictive endorsement, such as "personal" or "confidential" * shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.

129 Pleasant Street * Concord. NH 03301 * .800-852-3345 * www.dhhs.state.nh.us

Page last updated Thursday, March 31, 2005

webmaster and department e-mail inf@littletonfirerescue.org