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Handling Suspicious Envelopes/Packages

Identification of Suspicious Envelopes/Packages

Suspicious Mail

Items to consider:

  1. No return address.
  2. Excessive postage.
  3. Restrictive markings such as "personal" or "confidential".
  4. Addressed to someone no longer in office or department.
  5. Items protruding from envelope/package,
  6. wet areas, openings or strange odours.
  7. Unusually heavy envelope/package, and/or
  8. Presence of small bulges, powder or granules.

Canada Post guidelines for handling suspicious mail.

If Identified as a Suspicious Envelope/Package   

  1. Immediately advise UW Police (Ext. 22222 or 519-888-4911) of the situation at hand,
  2. Do not handle, shake or smell the suspicious article,
  3. Isolate the article, and evacuate the immediate vicinity, and
  4. Anyone who has handled the article should immediately wash their hands with soap and water.