Always stay alert for suspicious packages

Suspicious packages or letters don’t turn up very often on Tinker Air Force Base, but that’s no reason to let one’s guard down, the base’s antiterrorism program manager says.  

“I’d much rather have someone report something that they think is out of the ordinary and it be nothing versus them not saying anything and then all of a sudden it turns out to be something,” Keith Carter said.

The few incidents in recent years have included brief evacuations, but the packages turned out not to be threats.

Mr. Carter said obvious highly suspicious packages should be reported immediately to the Base Defense Operations Center at 734-3737. Other situations, however, may involve a judgment call.

“For instance, if you’re at your work center and see something kind of out of the ordinary, it’s probably a good thing to ask around first and say, ‘Does anyone recognize this? Do you know who this belongs to?’ – especially if it’s a backpack or something like that,” Mr. Carter said.

“Somebody may have just dropped it there temporarily. They may have spilled coffee on the way in and thought I’ll just drop this here and put my coffee away. If no one claims it, then you should call it in. They shouldn’t go up to investigative it, open it, kick it or smell it. Call the experts in and let them determine if it’s suspicious or not.”

Mr. Carter recommended the following suspicious package tips:

- Report the incident to an available supervisor or building security official.

- Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.

- Do not smell, taste, or touch the material.

- Do not try to clean up powders or liquids.

- Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the room, if possible.

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

- Instruct anyone who handled the item to wash their hands with soap and water.

- Remove contaminated clothing and place in a sealed plastic bag if materials spill onto clothing. Shower with soap and water as soon as possible. Do not use bleach or harsh disinfectant on your skin.