EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDE

YORK UNIVERSITY SECURITY SERVICES:

416-736-5333 or Ext. 33333 (On campus)

 911

In a life threatening emergency call 911 then call York University Security Services. See HERE for other numbers to call in an emergency.

• Are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
• Are outdated or addressed to someone no longer with your department or the University (e.g., improper title).
• Have excessive postage, handwritten or poorly typed.
• Bear no return address, or one that can't be verified as legitimate.
• Are of unusual weight, disproportionate to its size, or is lopsided.
• Are marked with restrictive endorsements, such as "Personal" or "Confidential".
• Exhibit protruding wires, strange odours, stains, or powders.
• Indicate a city, province or country in the postmark that doesn't match the return address.
• Have excessive string or tape to hold together.

Also keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles that may have the following characteristics:

• Low riding vehicles, especially with disproportionate weight towards the back of the vehicle.
• Vehicles left running with no driver.
• Vehicles parked haphazardly in apparent effort to hurriedly ditch, instead of properly park the vehicle.

What should I do if I've received a suspicious parcel/mail?

• DO NOT TOUCH the package as this could destroy fingerprints.
• Notify your supervisor or instructor.
• DO NOT USE cell phones or two-way radios near the package.
• IMMEDIATELY notify York University Security Services from a landline telephone at extension 33333 or 416-736-5333 and provide the following information
  • The department name and floor number.
  • Details of the suspicious package.
  • Your name and telephone number.
• York University Security Services will conduct a threat assessment to determine the appropriate response.

What should I do if I receive an anthrax threat by mail?

• Notify your supervisor and York University Security Services.
• York University Security Services will contact the Department of Occupational Health and Safety and Toronto Police Services for threat assessment and response.
• Do not attempt to clean up any powder that may have spilled.
• Keep staff out the area in which the parcel is contained.
• Isolate anyone who has been exposed directly to or touched the parcel/mail or powder.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Ensure that all persons who have touched the letter wash their hands with soap and water only.
• List all persons who have touched the letter or package including their contact information and provide the list to the investigating agency.
• Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or other sealed container and have available for the Police, should they request.
• Shower with soap and water.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• If the mail or parcel contains other types of hazardous materials, see HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

How To Handle Mail In Your Area That Will Enhance Safety:

• Do not leave mail unattended.
• Secure mail whenever possible.
• Be alert to any suspicious activity or persons who are in the vicinity of mail.