Suspicious Package

Suspicious packages are items capable of concealing or containing harmful substances that have been left unattended and/or visibly indicate a potential threat.

Characteristics of a suspicious package

Excessive postage
Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
Misspelling of common words
Strange/No return address
Incorrect title or title without a name
Not addressed to a specific person
Marked with restrictions, such as “personal", "confidential", or the words “do not x-ray”
Marked with any threatening language
Post-marked from a city or province that did not match the return address

Key appearances

Oily stains
Discolorations
Odour
Excessive packaging material
Excessive weight
Ticking sound and/or protruding wires or aluminum foil

Procedures:

What to do with a suspicious package, letter or container

Do not panic. It is important for all of your actions to be careful and deliberate.
Protect yourself, fellow staff members, and students from exposure to unknown material. Do not touch, move, or attempt to clean up the unknown material.
Isolate the area and evacuate all personnel from the immediate area.
Call 9-1-1 and notify the Executive Team.
Do not use radios or cell phones and inform your students to do the same
All personnel who come in contact with the unknown material should wash their hands with soap and warm water and shower as soon as possible.
Do not use bleach or other disinfectants.
Make a list of names and contact information for anyone who has come into contact with the unknown material. Provide this information to the Toronto Police.