Base needs assistance with suspicious packages Published June 11, 2010 Minot Air Force Base Antiterrorism Office MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Minot AFB Antiterrorism Office is seeking base-wide assistance with reporting on ALL suspicious packages. "We are asking all base personnel to report suspicious packages they come across on base, around the exterior base perimeter and in the missile complex," said P.J. Pallotta, Minot AFB Antiterrorism Officer. These threats can come in many forms to include unattended packages, backpacks and bags or as suspicious looking letters, parcels and substances. Recently, a portion of Burdick Expressway was blocked off after an unknown suspicious substance was found in Zimmerman's Furniture Store in Minot. In this case, the Minot Police Department Bomb Squad`s robot removed the substance and rendered it safe. "Each alert and aware person acts as a force multiplier and extra set of eyes and ears for Minot AFB security forces," Pallotta said. Quick recognition and reporting of a suspicious package can save lives prevent injuries and assist with an effective emergency response to and mitigation of the incident. To ensure proper action is taken when a suspicious package is detected, all personnel must familiarize themselves with the immediate actions to take in such a situation. They must have a basic knowledge of the appropriate action to take to minimize danger to themselves and others, and whom to contact to report their suspicions. What should I do if I notice a suspicious package? DO NOT touch! DO NOT open or shake it. DO NOT carry or show to others. DO alert others in the area. DO leave the area, prevent others from entering. DO create a list of persons in the room where the package was observed. DO call the Minot AFB Law Enforcement Desk at (701) 723-3096. Over the past decade, an incredible number of organizations and businesses throughout the country received threats of anthrax and other potentially lethal substances through the mail. Concerns were raised that letters or packages received might contain some type of biological, chemical or radiological substance that could jeopardize human life. Most of these threats turned out to be unfounded. Nevertheless, the establishment of procedures to recognize, report and respond to these situations is vital because of the potential for the spread of these dangerous, and often lethal, substances. These threats come in varied forms including, but not limited to, packages containing powdery substances and exposed wires. Often, there is no threat, just a suspicious looking letter or package. Either way, we must be aware of what to look for and know what to do. "We cannot become complacent when it comes to suspicious packages" said Timothy Allen, 91st Missile Wing Antiterrorism Officer. "We pull numerous suspicious package exercises each year and we have seen it all in relationship to responses. The worst is when someone takes it upon themselves to assume risk and inspect the package versus properly following established procedures." Where to look for suspicious bags/packages: · Entrances to facilities · Staged near walk ways · Outside doors (Especially entrances to controlled areas) · Stairwells · Hallways away from doors · Restrooms · Near parked vehicles Suspicious Letters/Parcels ... What to look for: · Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries. · Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address · Restrictive markings such as "CONFIDENTIAL" or "PERSONAL". · Excessive postage. · Handwritten or poorly typed address. · Incorrect titles. · Misspellings of common words. · Oily stains or discoloration on package. · Excessive weight. · Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes. · Excessive tape or string. · No return address. · Small holes, protruding wire, string or metal foil; · Noise of ticking, sloshing or buzzing · Placed near a ventilation system Suspicious Letters/Parcels ... What to do: If an unopened package looks suspicious and the individual cannot verify the contents with either the addressee or the sender: · IF UNOPENED, do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package. · ISOLATE the package and assume control by: o LEAVING it alone (do not move, taste, sniff or touch it); if holding it, put it down on a hard, flat surface; o ENSURING no one else comes in contact with it; o ADVISING anyone who has come in contact with the package or substance not to brush powder or liquid off of their clothing or person, keep their hands away from their face and wash their hands, if possible, without leaving the area. (Keep a list of these people.); o SECURING all doors and access points (stairwells, hallways) that lead to the area where the package is situated. Minimize contact with unnecessary objects as much as possible (Have someone else open doors for if possible); o TURNING OFF any fans, heaters, or equipment that is circulating air inside the immediate area. · EVACUATE the immediate area to a safe distance. · WASH hands with soap and water immediately if one have been in contact with a suspicious package or its contents (avoid touching anything, especially the face). · REPORT all incidents as soon as possible to Security Forces at (701) 723-3096 · DO NOT USE RADIOS OR CELLULAR PHONES when near a suspicious package. · REMAIN in a nearby but safe location until security or emergency representative arrives and await further instructions. "We want our base employees and residents to be more suspicious, more aware, more vigilant and willing to sound the alarm when appropriate," Pallotta added. Pallotta encourages all personnel to follow the National slogan of "If You See Something, Say Something". This not only applies to reporting suspicious packages, but also to reporting any type of suspicious activity or persons.