Suspicious Package or Bioterrorism

If an evacuation is ordered, follow the general evacuation procedures.

If in an area potentially affected by bioterrorism, leave the area and list all people who were in the room or area and provide this list to responding FIT or emergency officials.

Biological Threat Received by Telephone

Obtain as much information as possible from the caller (location, time of detonation, type of agent, caller profile, reason).

Notify Campus Security at (212) 217-7777 and await their arrival.

Suspicious Package or Biological Threat Received by Mail

DO NOT PANIC.

Do not touch the package.

Notify Campus Security at (212) 217-7777 via landline (do not use cell phone).

Leave the room, taking personal belongings with you as you leave, and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.

Do not turn light switches on or off.

Use stairs only; do not use elevators.

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Move well away from the building and follow instructions from FIT and/or emergency responders.

Envelopes or Packages that Contain Powder

Do not try to clean up any powder.

Cover any spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.

Leave the room and close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.

Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.

Report the incident to Campus Security at (212) 217-7777.

Arriving emergency personnel will assist you with the following tasks:

  • Remove heavily contaminated clothing and place in a plastic bag or other container that can be sealed. Give this clothing to responding emergency personnel.
  • Receive medical evaluation and follow-up information from medical personnel.
  • Before leaving the scene, shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or other type of disinfectant on your skin.

Possibility of Room Contamination by Aerosol

Turn off local fans and ventilation units in the area.

Leave the area immediately.

Close the door or section off the area to prevent others from entering.

Report the incident to Campus Security at (212) 217-7777.