U.S. Postal Service is expecting to deliver 800 million packages this holiday season. UPS says they are expecting to deliver around 32 million packages and documents a day.
Be prepared for the holiday rush – specifically all the packages delivered to your building for employees.
Increased volume requires more resources to screen for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) threats. Mail threats are a low-cost, accessible form of terrorism. Ensure your organization is ready for this influx in order to safeguard your assets, your employees and your organization’s reputation.
Here is information on who to immediately contact when a possible threat is identified.
Quick Reference for Mail Threats:
For Radiological Threats
Limit exposure – don’t handle
Distance (evacuate area)
Shield yourself from object
Call Police
Call local Fire Department-HAZMAT Unit
Contact Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and state “Emergency”
For Biological or Chemical Threats
Isolate – don’t handle
Wash your hands with soap and warm water
Call Police
Call local Fire Department-HAZMAT Unit
Contact Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and state “Emergency”
For a Mail or Parcel Bomb
Evacuate immediately
Call Police
Call local Fire Department- HAZMAT Unit
Contact Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455 and state “Emergency”
Basic steps for Mailroom Safety include:
(1.) Provide mailroom security training
(2.) Put a plan in writing
(3.) Install correct sensor equipment
(4.) Train employees
(5.) Run practice drills
If this is not possible, consider outsourcing mail screening to a third party or sending mail to a third party screening facility.
If you need help determining your best course of action, let us know. We’re here to help.
As always, I appreciate your comments. smartin@sobran-inc.com