Suspicious Letters and Packages
The possibility of terrorism and bioterrorism (anthrax) has been in the news, and on our minds for weeks now. This is all new to the Untied States and especially to most of us here at Mesa Community College. I have gathered information from several web sites, the US Mail and the local newspapers that may provide some assistance dealing with suspicious mail. The following is a compilation of actions that are suggested if you should receive a suspicious letter or package.

What to Do:

Please use common sense in evaluating the letters and packages that you receive.
Remain calm.
- Do Not shake or disturb the letter or the package.
- Do Not smell or closely examine the letter or package.
- Do Not move the letter or package.
- Do Not place letter or package in a zip lock bag or any other container
- Do Not clean the area.
- Do Not cover the letter or package
Leave the room immediately, close the door gently, notify your supervisor and College Safety ext. #17777.
Wait in an adjacent area until responders arrive.
Do Not allow others into the area.
Wash you hands with soap and water.
- Do not use bleach or disinfectant.
- Use soap and warm running water
- Get a good lather going
- Wash forearms, wrists, palms, backs of hands, fingers, under nails thoroughly
- Rub soapy hands together at least 30 seconds then rinse
- To dry use a clean or disposable towel
- Use a paper towel to cover bathroom doorknob as you exit to avoid recontamination.
College Safety will notify emergency services. They will also ask who else was in the area when the letter or package was recognized.

The City of Mesa Fire Department, according to one fire captain, as of the 17th of October was receiving about 30 calls a day concerning hazardous materials/suspicious powder and letters. With all that activity and like responses throughout the metropolitan area there have been no known bioterrorism (anthrax) events in the state of Arizona.

Something you can do to help your friends and colleagues, clearly and legibly address your mail, inter campus and U.S. Mail.

Suggested as follows:

Inter Campus Mail:

Address using the recipients "Name" "Department", " Location" and your name as the sender

U.S. Mail:

Address using the recipients "Name", "Street Address", "City", "State", "Zip Code". Then make sure the return address is properly completed.

Again, any questions or concenrns, please contact Public Safety@: #17777