USM: Biological Danger

Biological Danger Procedures - USM Police (911) - Managing Suspicious Letters, Packages, or Substances

  1. Do not open the envelope or package (if recognized as potentially suspicious and not already opened). If opened, leave it where it is.

  2. Contact your supervisor immediately, and the supervisor will contact USM Police. If supervisor is not available, call 911, USM Police. Provide specific incident details and site location such as campus, building, room, etc.

  3. Isolate the mail to keep others from touching it. If powder is spilled, do not clean it up and try to cover it with something. If possible, have someone shut down any ventilation or air handling equipment in the area. Leave the immediate area.

  4. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately. Try to avoid contaminating other surfaces, and do not touch your face. Note: Anyone who touches the suspicious item should wash hands, also.

  5. USM Police will notify the USM Office of Campus Environmental Safety & Health to formally document the incident.

  6. All responding personnel will wear the appropriate personal personal protective equipment (PPE) and may attempt to place mail and other evidence in a plastic bag. They will also place PPE and materials used for cleaning in a plastic bag. Cleanup of dry or powdery material should be done only if permitted by law enforcement and then only with commercial bleach (a 1:10 solution) with sponges or wet paper towels (no brushing or dry sweeping). Preventing skin contact and inhalation of biological or chemical materials is essential. All plastic bags will be sealed. Material must be preserved for evidentiary purposes.

  7. USM Police will contact the Gorham, portland, or Lewiston police for emergency response assistance. Local police authority will notify the following if deemed necessary: U.S. Postal Inspector, the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency, and the FBI, if warranted. The Cumberland County EMA will determine if additional response personnel are needed. CES&H will notify specific USM administrators with incident details.

  8. Supervisors will document the names of all USM employees and/or students involved with the incident.

This procedure will be updated when new information becomes available.

Reference documentation used to prepare this policy included: CDC Guidelines, FBI Directives, and U.S. Postal Service.

For further information or problems with this page, contact: Craig Hutchinson