MSU POLICE - Emergency Management

SUSPICIOUS MAIL OR PARCELS; ANTHRAX, CHEMICAL, EXPLOSIVE INFORMATION

The recent terrorist threats and several confirmed cases of exposure to anthrax have caused an increase in anxiety over the possibility of chemical, biological or explosive attacks. The following is based on information provided by the F.B.I., U.S. Postal Service, U.S. CDC and the U.S. Department of State.

This information may help in identifying suspect packages and actions that should be taken if exposure to anthrax or other biological/chemical contamination may have occurred.

IDENTIFYING SUSPECT MAIL OR PARCELS

Similar to the procedures for suspected explosive devices, pay attention to any mail or packages with the following irregularities:

• No return address or an unfamiliar or unexpected return address
• Mail directed to personnel who no longer work for your unit.
• Mail marked “Personal” or “Confidential”.
• Postmarks from a foreign country or the use of excessive postage.
• Misspelled words, improper addressing.
• Mail addressed to a Title or Office only.
• Items that are oversized, lopsided or uneven.
• Items that are rigid or bulky.
• Items with a strange odor, stains, discoloration, leaking product (powder, oil, etc)
• Protruding wires.
• Excessive tape.

If you question or suspect a package, contact the University Police at 355-2221 and notify your supervisor. Avoid unnecessary movement of the package.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE

If there has been a chemical/biological exposure, trained professionals from the University Police, the East Lansing Fire Department and the University Office of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Safety will respond. These agencies have trained and prepared extensively for such a response.

These professionals are bound by law to respond following set protocols and procedures. The responders will be required to wear a certain level of protective clothing and equipment. The protocols also require that any victim who has had contact with or is suspected of having contact with a hazardous substance, be decontaminated prior to being removed from the area. This decontamination process will be completed with the highest level of professionalism, care and compassion for the victims.

INFORMATION ON ANTHRAX

Effective dispersal of anthrax is difficult due to the processes required to create the spores that result in a weapons grade product. One possible method of delivery is through letters or packages. Anthrax in its’ natural form is a brownish colored powder. In the majority of anthrax scares, the suspected substance is generally portrayed as a white substance. However, substance color alone should never be used to verify a true incident versus a hoax.

Anthrax spores infect only if inhaled, ingested or introduced into an open wound or the eyes. The disease is caused by the spore forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Symptoms of the disease very depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days after exposure.

Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock.

Ingested anthrax symptoms are characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea.

Cutaneous exposure initially resembles an itchy bump with swelling at the site of the infection that is similar to an insect bite. Within 1-2 days, it ulcerates and develops a dead, black center.

Anthrax is not contagious, and the condition is treatable with antibiotics if identified early.

IF YOU OPEN AN ENVELOPE OR PARCEL AND ENCOUNTER AN UNIDENTIFIED SUBSTANCE.

• Do not panic, remain calm.
• Do not touch, smell, taste or try to analyze the substance.
• Carefully place the item down and step away. Do not carry the item to another location.
• Remain in the immediate area to minimize the spread of the substance.
• Alert others to keep away from your area.
• Turn off any circulating fans, air conditioners or heaters.
• Notify the University Police at 9-1-1
• Do not touch, handle or attempt to clean up the substance.
• Wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive.