Police Give Instructions For White Powder Incidents

There have been several instances throughout Connecticut over the past several weeks concerning suspicious mailings/packages/white powder. Below are some simple instructions for you, just in case you happen to be in a location where a suspicious item is received.

Instructions for Businesses/Schools concerning suspicious mail.

Instructions for employees if you have handled a suspicious package or envelope:

• 1. Do not panic.
• 2. Report the incident to your supervisor immediately.
• 3. Turn off the local air conditioner or fan.
• 4. Cover the item.
• 5. Secure the room and prevent others from entering.
• 6. Wash hands with soap and water or use bacterial wipes.
• 7. Move to an isolated room if possible–if not, stay at the site.
• 8. Wait for further instructions.

Instructions for Supervisors, Human Resources, Security:

• 1. Do not handle any item suspected of contamination.
• 2. Do not shake, bump or move it.
• 3. Do not open, smell or taste it.
• 4. Do not pull the fire alarm.
• 5. Turn off the local air conditioner or fan.
• 6. Dial 911, stay calm and ask for assistance.
• 7. Obtain names and phone numbers of all persons in the area.
• 8. Anyone who touched the item or was in the vicinity should move to a secure room and wait for further instruction.
• 9. If no room is available, have possibly contaminated persons remain at the site until you receive instructions from emergency response personnel.

*If a determination is made by law enforcement authorities or emergency responders that anyone was exposed, you will be provided with further directions. Once officials arrive, necessary decontamination procedures will be determined.

Follow-up testing for potential contamination may take between 24-48 hours.