Is your direct mail safe? That is a question many consumers and businesses are asking of delivery services. Some direct mail goes through several screening processes before delivery. Some of the screening processes involved sending packages through certain mailing hubs or centers like post offices in Pensacola FL. Specific employees are trained to watch out for packages or letters that have unusual markings, which are flags for suspicious activities.
If a piece of direct mail fits the profile, the employees at the screening center are trained to react to the situation. Some of the actions they will take are to remove themselves from the vicinity of the suspicious piece of direct mail. Protocols are in place to handle threats, which could range from bombing related mechanisms, biomedical transmission, and the spread of chemicals or radioactive materials.
In addition to training staff to detect mail that appears different, many delivery companies also preform mock tests to help train and prepare staff. Fake packages are sent through the system as reported by NPR. After the test, the staff and management are often advised of how well they handled the situation, and any improvements can be implemented after each trial.
Direct Mail can be safe
Direct Mail can be safe but there are always things a homeowner or business can do to protect themselves in addition to what the mailing centers already do. Every time you receive a letter or package look at it, and if it appears out of the ordinary in any way, do not handle it. Here is a Photo of suspect addressing styles to be aware of. Contact your local authorities or carrier and remove yourself and others from the package. The Center For Disease Control recommends limiting exposure. Do not attempt to open the envelope or remove any tape or string from it.
Some things to look for on the outside of direct mail that might be flagged as out of the ordinary are any unusual amount of postage paid with many small increments of stamps versus one stamp paid in full. If the handwriting is illegible or words are incorrectly spelled, this could be another reason to pause for concern. If there are large stamped markings are handwritten notes that denote the package as personal, confidential, or for the party intended, take a close look at the item and consider its source. Business owners should be aware of what types of mail they are getting and from whom. Businesses that must ship materials that might be deemed unsafe, such as some metals are usually well versed in the procedure they need to follow.
Some other signs of detecting direct mail that could possibly have safety issues are odors, sounds, and fluids or oils. If a package is giving off any kind of unusual scents, contact the authorities. If a letter is stained, dirty, or greasy, the best practice is to call for assistance and if it is making any type of sound, follow emergency procedures.
protocols
There are several protocols in place to help ensure the safety of direct mail, and agencies are implementing and practicing emergency procedures to detect and prevent unsafe direct mail packages from entering the general population.
Direct mail is generally safe, but there are some areas where packages can still get through the system and end up delivered to the intended party. Emergency personnel, local and federal law enforcement, along with delivery service companies have practices in place to help protect citizens, structures, and businesses from unsafe direct mail.
