Which response strategy is recommended if a suspicious package is identified?

Evacuating the area and assessing risks is the recommended response strategy when a suspicious package is identified because safety is the top priority in potentially dangerous situations. By evacuating, personnel can remove themselves from immediate danger and minimize the risk of injury should the package contain a harmful device or substance.

This strategy allows emergency responders to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation without endangering anyone in the vicinity. Once the area is cleared, trained professionals can safely evaluate the package and determine the appropriate actions to take, based on a detailed assessment of the potential threat.

Immediate return to normal operations without proper evaluation can put individuals at risk. Carefully engaging with the package also poses significant dangers, as it could trigger a harmful situation. Attempting to disarm the package is an action that should only be taken by skilled bomb disposal units, as untrained individuals could inadvertently activate an explosive device or cause a hazardous incident. Thus, evacuating and assessing risks is the most prudent and safest course of action in such scenarios.