Suspicious Item, Mail, or Packages

If a suspicious item is found on campus:

• Do not touch, move, or disturb the item.
• Using an office or campus phone, call the Facilities department, who will then notify the proper authorities.
• Until assistance arrives, direct people away from the item.

The Facilities department is responsible for processing all Chicago School mail sent and received by faculty and staff. However, business and academic departments occasionally receive mail and/or packages directly, particularly by courier. Individuals should be wary of envelopes or packages delivered to their office that display one or more of the following characteristics:

• No return address
• Misspelled words
• Envelopes or packages sealed with excessive tape
• Poor type or illegible/unusual handwriting
• Incorrect name, address, or title
• Powder or other substance seeping through the package
• Excessive postage
• Protruding wires
• Strange odors emanating from the item
• Oily stains, crystallization, or other discolorations on packing material

Should a piece of mail or package that displays the above-listed characteristics be received and there is suspicion the item may contain an explosive, chemical, biological, or radiological threat:

• Isolate the item immediately.
• Do not open, move, smell, or taste the suspicious item.
• Leave the immediate area and warn others in the area to do the same.
• Call Facilities for further instructions and assistance.