In the event of suspicious mail, what is the first step a carrier should take?

The first step a carrier should take when encountering suspicious mail is to isolate it from other mail. This action is crucial because isolating the suspicious item helps prevent any potential risk to the carrier, coworkers, and the general public. By removing the mail from the rest of the items, the carrier minimizes the chance of contamination or exposure to hazardous materials.

Handling it with care and delivering it, checking with a coworker, or proceeding with normal delivery are not appropriate initial responses. These alternatives may inadvertently put additional individuals at risk, as they either fail to take proper precautionary measures or do not address the potential danger posed by the suspicious item. Therefore, isolating the mail is the safest and most responsible first step in ensuring everyone's safety.