Bioterrorism
Biohazards intentionally placed on College property with the express purpose of causing harm to a member or members of the College community is an act of terrorism. Terrorism is a crime and the local authorities should be notified immediately as well as the SE District Office of the State Health Center at 877-PA-HEALTH.
There are a variety of biological health hazards that terrorists could use. The two most commonly discussed today are Anthrax and Small Pox. Each is addressed separately below.
ANTHRAX
General Mail Handling
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Be observant for suspicious envelopes or packages.
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Open all mail with a letter opener or method that is least likely to disturb contents. Do not use hands.
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Open packages/envelopes with a minimum amount of movement.
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Do not blow into envelopes.
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Do not shake, pour out contents.
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Keep hands away from nose and mouth while opening mail.
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Wash hands after handling mail.
To date, terrorists have chosen to spread the disease via the mail service. Mail may be considered suspicious if the following are present:
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Discoloration, crystallization, strange odors or oily stains
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Envelope with powder or powder-like residue
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Protruding wires or aluminum foil
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Excessive tape or string
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Unusual size or weight given size of the envelope
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Lopsided or oddly shaped envelope
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Postmark that does not match return address
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Restrictive endorsements such as "Personal" or "Confidential"
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Excessive postage
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Handwritten, block-printed or poorly typed addresses
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Incorrect titles
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Title but no name
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Misspellings of common words
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No return address
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Addressed to individual no longer with organization
If a letter or package is suspicious the following steps should be taken:
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Remain calm.
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Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious package or letter.
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Keep hands away from mouth, nose and eyes.
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Isolate the package or letter.
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Gently cover the envelope or package with anything available nearby (clothing, paper, or inverted trash can), and do not remove cover.
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If an unknown substance spills from the package/envelope, do not try to clean up substance.
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Avoid creating air currents.
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Do not handle package/envelope any further.
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If material spills on floor avoid stepping near it. Avoid tracking any spilled materials to other locations.
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Wash hands with soap and water.
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Do not remove any potentially contaminated items from area.
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If contaminated, keep movements within the building to a minimum. This will keep contamination of building to a minimum. Remove heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and gently to minimize dispersal.
Security/Safety will do the following:
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Contact local authorities who will dispatch the fire hazmat team, fire department, the medics, the FBI and State Health Center.
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Seal off the area.
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