Purdue News
Purdue News
|
|
October 2001 Purdue issues guidelines for mail handlingWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University advises its employees to take precautions when handling suspicious mail in the wake of anthrax incidents across the nation. Carol Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety at Purdue, outlined her department's plans to deal with threats involving anthrax, other biological agents, or hazardous chemicals. "In the unlikely event that an incident may occur, following these procedures will activate those plans and promote the highest level of safety while minimizing the disruption associated with these incidents," Shelby wrote in a memo. Shelby urged caution when dealing with suspicious mail, such as that which: • Is unexpected or from a person or source unfamiliar to you. • Is addressed to someone no longer with your department or otherwise inappropriate. • Has no return address or one that cannot be verified as legitimate. • Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address. • Has strange odors, stains or protruding wires. • Is of an unusual weight based on size, is lopsided or oddly shaped. If you receive a letter or package that is suspicious, she advised: "Do not open it. Isolate it. Call police." If a letter is more than suspicious and appears to possibly contain a hazardous substance, people should take the following steps: • If you open it, set it down gently. • If you find a note, leave it alone. Do not move the contaminated material more than necessary. • Contact the Purdue police at 494-8221 or dial 911. • Move to an area that will minimize your exposure to others. • If possible, close doors in the area of the letter, note or package. • If possible, wash your hands with soap and water and remain in the area. • Do not allow others into the area. If anyone enters, they should stay until instructed to leave by officials from Purdue Safety and Security or Purdue Radiological and Environmental Management (REM). Anyone with questions or in need further information should contact REM at 494-6371, or the Purdue Office of Safety and Security at 494-1424.
|
