In response to inquiries regarding direct mail as a possible vehicle for distributing anthrax or other agents of bioterrorism, the DMA has produced an A4 "Anthrax Alert" poster, and suggests the following guidelines to promote security and integrity in the direct mail business.
Please visit the DMA site for all the guidelines, but here follows a brief synopsis.
SUGGESTIONS TO ADDRESS SECURITY ISSUES IN DIRECT MAIL CAMPAIGNS
Avoid using plain envelopes and/or handwritten addresses. Printed envelopes, especially those using colour are less likely to appear like the hand-prepared envelopes involved in the incidents so far.
Carefully evaluate your mail or 3D campaigns - consider especially how a potentially scared target market may react to your package.
Provide a clear and identifiable return address. Consider including your company logo on the envelope.
Consider including a toll-free phone number and/or URL address on envelopes.
Utilise an e-mail and/or telemarketing campaign in conjunction with a letter drop to notify consumers that mail will be coming.
Utilise The DMA Member logo (obtainable from the National Office) to demonstrate your company's credibility.
Contact your mailhouse and other production services to stress the importance of security.
Consider performing a security audit throughout your operation.
If you are involved in production services, know who your customers are.
Educate mailroom employees about identifying and dealing with possible threats - post the Anthrax Alert poster in mail handling venues.
In the event of a scare notify the Police, and contact Netcare on 082 911 - their Control Desk has been specifically briefed on how to deal with the situation.
