SU officials issue anthrax warning

As the threat of anthrax and terrorist threatens this country, Southern University is taking precautionary measures for package handling.
Although there is no immediate cause for alarm on the campus of SUBR according to Kevin Johnson, deputy administrator of the university police department, it is in student’s best interest to be alert, aware and cautious of various circumstances.
“Procedures are in place for the safe handling of anthrax and other biological chemicals, our officers are aware of the threat and will respond if called,” said Johnson.
Johnson particularly wants students to be careful of “suspicious” packages and letters they may receive in the mail.
Listed below are a few characteristics of “suspicious” packages and letters released by the Office of Finance and Administration:
1. Items that are empty or appear to be empty.
2. White powdery substances or any type substance on packages.
3. Handwritten or poorly typed addresses.
4. Incorrect titles or titles without names.
5. Misspellings of common words.
6. Oily stains, discolorations or odor.
7. No return address.
8. Excessive weight.
9. Lopsided or uneven envelope.
10. Protruding wires or aluminum foil.
11. Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
12. Visual distractions.
13. Ticking sound or any sound emitted from the package.
14. Packages marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential.
15. Envelope shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address.
16. Large blue envelopes.
17. Unexpected items from individuals/organizations that you do not know which are postmarked from New Jersey or Florida.
18. Items (gifts) from organizations that you do not know.
Guidelines to follow if you receive a letter or package that has one or more of the characteristics listed above are:
1. Do not panic.
2. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
3. Leave the room and close the door. Do not allow anyone to enter the room.
4. Call the University Police or local/appropriate law enforcement agency.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water. Do not touch your face.
6. Obtain the names of people in room or area where package was discovered, and those who came in contact with the package.
7. Do not clean or brush clothes.
According to Johnson administrators have been in meetings to review an emergency preparedness plan to include possible terrorist attacks. The SUPD and all police forces in the nation have been working with the FBI to combat such attacks if any occur.