Suspicious Letter or Package Procedures
If you are suspicious of a letter or package and are unable to verify the contents with the addressee, sender, or owner:
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Do not open, touch, sniff, or move the item
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If possible, use a landline phone (not cellular) to contact the University Police (UAPD) at 205-348-5454
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Evacuate the immediate area
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Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
According to the US Post Office, possible indicators of suspicious mail include:
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An unexpected package from someone you don’t know
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It’s addressed to someone no longer at your address
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It’s handwritten and has no return address or bears one that you can’t confirm is legitimate
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It’s lopsided or lumpy in appearance
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It’s marked with restrictive endorsements such as Personal or Confidential
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It has excessive postage
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Misspelling
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Stains, discoloration, odor, or crystallized substances on the outside
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Leaking powder
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Excessive tape on package
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Addressed to title of position, not individual
USPS Suspicious Mail Poster