Speaking of anthrax paddywax, look at the memo I received from my (supposed) CEO. I am thinking about constructing a "suspicious package" complete with strange smell, soft and hard spots, wires sticking out, covered with powder,a loud ticking inside (I have a metronome), with a childish scrawl and marked "personal" and "confidential" etc. etc. etc. and putting it out with a sign: "IF YOU RECEIVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS, GO TAKE A SHOWER AND THEN CALL THE POLICE!" Geez, if this is typical we may get a chance to buy stocks at bargain prices sooner than later. The country is going bananas
To: University Community
From: Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan
Re: Handling Mail
In light of recent anthrax infections in Florida and New York and
reports of packages received with mysterious powders in or on then,
many of you have asked when and whether you should be concerned
about being exposed to anthrax through the mail.
Because of the nature of our work, we receive lots of mail and we have
large numbers of people responsible for opening and distributing mail.
As a result, I’m passing along this information, not to alarm you but as
a precaution and to make sure that you continue to work in a safe and
secure environment.
First, most reports of anthrax have been negative. But I want to make
sure that this community takes all safety precautions as we go about
doing our daily work.
What makes a piece of mail suspicious? Any mail that is:
Unexpected or is from an unfamiliar source
Addressed to someone no longer with the institution or is
outdated in any way
Has no return address or an address that cannot be verified
Lopsided, oddly shaped, or has an unusual weight, given its
size
Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or
“Confidential”
Has protruding wires, strange odors or stains
Shows a city or state in the postmark that doesn’t match the
return address
Hand written or poorly typed address
Misspelled common words or titles
Excessive postage
Rigid or soft spots
Ticking sound
If you discover a suspicious package, don’t panic. Anthrax organisms
can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or lungs. To
do so the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or
inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after
exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with appropriate
antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.
Once you stop the suspicious package, follow these steps:
Do not try to open the package or envelope.
Isolate the parcel in a plastic bag or some other type of
container to prevent leakage of contents.
Evacuate the immediate area.
Call campus police. If you are at home, report the incident to
your local police.
If you open the package and realize it contains a strange substance,
follow these instructions:
Limit your exposure by leaving the item alone, closing the
package or envelope with the materials inside.
If possible, place all items in a plastic bag or some other
type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
Keep your hands away from your face so you do not touch
your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands.
Note the type of package, how it was delivered, and anything
that may help in the subsequent investigation.
Place items worn in contact with the suspicious mail in
plastic bags and present them to law enforcement agents.
Shower with soap and water as soon as possible.
Please share this information with all individuals in your area,
especially those with responsibility for opening and distributing mail.
Remember: Be safe rather than sorry. If something just doesn’t look
right, follow the above procedures. |
