See Something? Say Something.
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Boston’s tragic bombing Monday followed by revelations of two letters addressed to elected officials in D.C containing the poison ricin—including one addressed to the President—is news on everyone’s minds.
While there’s no information that any of these violent acts has a San Diego or County government connection, such news makes safety practices relevant everywhere. So it’s a good time for all of us to make sure we know what it means to be vigilant at home and at work and to review mail handling safety.
“At work and after hours, I want to remind employees ‘If you see something, say something,’” said Office of Emergency Services Director Holly Crawford. “Law enforcement has identified eight signs of terrorism and the County recently produced a video showing what you should look for.” (See link below.)
At work, this might mean someone where they’re not supposed to be, acting out of place, or a package or backpack belonging to no one—anything out of the ordinary that makes you uneasy or raises your suspicion. If this happens, let your supervisor and security know. If you think a threat is imminent, call 911.
The simple principles of vigilance extend to mail you might get at work.
Almost every County employee gets letters or packages through the mail from time to time. Depending on where you work, a U.S. Postal Service carrier might deliver the mail to a departmental mail clerk or other employee, who gets it to you. Or in some cases, the Postal Service sends mail to County Mail Services, who deliver it to your department.
While the U.S. Postal Service has Postal Inspectors and procedures in place to try to identify and investigate suspicious packages and letters, we should all know what a “suspicious” letter or package means too.
Obvious signs, according to the U.S. Postal Service, would be strange odors, protruding wires, oily stains on the package and suspicious powders or substances coming from the mail. If something like that showed up, you would notify security and call 911.
Less obvious suspicious signs might include no return address, excessive taping or string, a lopsided or bulky package, and generic addressees, such as a title with no name. Again, if something seems suspicious to you with a package or letter, say something.
For more on being vigilant and current events, refer to these links and resources
County Television Network: If You See Something, Say Something
Department mail clerks with questions on best practices for mail handling can contact the County Mail Manager, Bob Wilson at 858 694-3190 or email him at Bob.Wilson@sdcounty.ca.gov.