Home deliveries: suspicious packages

  • Published
  • By Nick Zallas
  • Antiterrorism Office
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- This is a good time to remind all personnel and dependents of the need to be aware, even at home, of unattended or suspicious packages. Regularly checking home deliveries is something we should all be doing.

An unattended package is just that; a package that is left on your doorstep. A suspicious package is one that something about the package seems out of place, such as oily stains or wires/strings protruding from the package, an unusual or unknown point of origin, no return address or one that does not match the postmark.

The 66th Security Forces Squadron handles inspections on commercial deliveries, but the one item we need personnel to be aware of is the delivery of parcels to your home.

Suspicious package responses are common occurrences at military installations, and every base has its share of calls from concerned members of the base community. This demonstrates the vigilance of community members and the importance of verifying the status of unattended and suspicious packages.

Do not accept any parcel that you have not ordered. If in doubt, return it to the sender.

If you come home and notice a suspicious package on or near your doorstep, go through the following steps related to any suspicious package you may encounter:

Recognize. Constantly be aware of your surroundings and positively identify any suspicious packages or items that appear to be out of the ordinary.

Record. If you see a suspicious item, record all pertinent information about it (location, size, color, shape, etc.).

Retreat. Clear the immediate area around the device by directing everyone to move away from the package. Do not touch or attempt to move any suspicious item.

Report. Contact the Base Defense Operations Center at 781-225-5000 immediately. Do not use a cell phone within 50 feet of the package; use a landline if possible. If an explosive device is present, this action could prevent a possible cell phone electronic transmission from detonating the device. When reporting the package to 66 SFS, provide them with all package details.

Once on scene, the first responders will take over and handle all other follow-on actions.

All personnel must understand that any call received about a suspicious package can impact a significant portion of the installation, especially if an entire area is evacuated as emergency responders react to the needs of the situation.

An unattended package does not necessarily have to be reported if it is not suspicious. If any doubt exists, however, do not hesitate to always clear the immediate area and call 66 SFS at 781-225-5000.