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Procedure: Suspicious Package

Information  

Look for these signs of a suspicious package—a letter or parcel bomb—delivered to the church.  

Letter and Parcel Bomb Recognition Checklist: What to Look For 

Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries 

Strange odor 

Restrictive markings like "CONFIDENTIAL" or "PERSONAL" 

Strange sounds 

Excessive postage 

Excessive weight 

Handwritten or poorly typed address 

Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes 

Incorrect titles 

Excessive tape or string 

Misspellings of common words 

Visual distractions 

Oily stains or discoloration on package 

No return address 

Procedure Steps: Handle a Suspicious Package  

1. All Persons—If a suspicious package is delivered to the church:  

A. DO NOT open or shake it.  

B. DO NOT carry it or show it to other persons.  

C. DO NOT bring it to the police.  

D. DO NOT sniff, touch, or taste it.  

E. Immediately try to recall which company delivered the package.  

F. Immediately alert other persons in the area. As required, use the church paging system (HOW?). 

G. Immediately leave the building. Close doors as you leave.  

(1) Sanctuary, Social Hall, and church office, go to and gather at the far edge of a parking lot. 

(2) Chalice Wing upper rooms, go to and gather at the far edge of the north/east parking lot.  

(3) Chalice Wing lower rooms, go to and gather at the far edge of the playground. If you have a key  (usually a support staff member), unlock the playground gates. After the playground gates are unlocked, go to and gather in the field outside the playground fence.  

H. Immediately call 911. Use any operational cell phone. 

I. Immediately prevent other persons from entering the building.  

J. As soon as possible, wash your hands with soap and water.  

K. As soon as possible, make a list of persons in the room where the package was received. 

 

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