Throughout history Americans have had to defend themselves and their country, but never have they been so scared of bioterrorism or their mail. As a result, there has been a sense of heightened alert. But what does it mean to be heightened? Many, if not all of us, are probably wondering what this means. On October 16 in RWC Muntz Hall auditorium, a panel of people consisting of RWC Dean Barbara Bardes, UC Director of Public Safety Gene Ferrara, UC History Professor Howard Tolley, Dr. Inayat K. Malik, a Cincinnati physician born in Pakistan, and Moderator RWC English Professor Cynthia Crane tried to defuse the crowd’s concerns about bioterrorism.
All in all, the citizens were eager to fire away some questions concerning their safety. Is RWC at risk of being attacked? According to Ferrara, “No.”
Why are we not at risk? Again, according to Ferrara, “There is a system in place to deal with such a threat.” When asked what the specifics are, Ferrara did not want to give details because of security reasons.
What if RWC were attacked? Is there a plan to respond to such a terror? “Yes, we have a metropolitan response,” Ferrara said.
So it seems as though the security is in place to deal with threat amongst our college.
The Dean at RWC has sent an email to the students and faculty addressing how to respond to a mailed threat at RWC.
The following list of points is to be used to identify suspicious items received in the mail. No single point is a positive sign, the Dean pointed out, but each should be considered in context. For example, an air mail package from an unknown sender, addressed with an incorrect title would be considered suspicious.
Foreign Mail, Air Mail, and Special Delivery
Restrictive Markings such as Confidential, Personal, etc.
Unexpected Packages
Excessive Postage
Hand Written or Poorly Typed Addresses
Incorrect Titles, or Titles but No Names
Misspellings of Common Words
Oily Stains or Discoloration
Unidentified powders or liquids leaking
No Return Address
Postmark Does Not Match Return Address
Excessive Weight
Rigid, Lopsided, or Uneven Envelope
Protruding Wires or Tinfoil
Excessive Securing Material such as Tape or String
Visual Distractions, such as Drawings or Statements
The Dean’s directive states that anyone who receives a suspicious unopened letter or package should follow these procedures:
1. Do not open, shake, or otherwise tamper with the package.
2. If a plastic bag is readily available, place the package inside the bag and seal it.
3. Leave the room where the package is, and close the door. Prevent anyone else from entering the room.
4. Dial 911 to report the incident.
5. Wash your hands with soap and water to avoid spreading any potential contamination.
6. Keep all people who were in the room together until the police arrive. Avoid direct contact with any other persons to avoid spreading any potential contamination.
In the case where powder spills out of a package, the Dean’s directive provides for the following procedure:
1. Do not try to clean up the powder.
2. If possible, place a garbage can or other container over the spilled powder to prevent further spread.
3. Leave the room where the package is, and close the door. Prevent anyone else from entering the room.
4. Dial 911 to report the incident.
5. Remove any clothing items contaminated with powder and place inside a plastic bag.
6. Wash your hands with soap and water to avoid spreading any potential contamination.
7. Keep all people who were in the room together until the police arrive. Avoid direct contact with any other persons to avoid spreading any potential contamination.
The Dean’s communiqu states that UC police will respond and investigate any suspicious items reported. If people have been contaminated with powder, and no immediate determination can be made as to the nature of the powder, further decontamination may be undertaken (showering).
The materials will be sent to the Ohio Department of Health for lab tests. Should the tests show the presence of anthrax, all persons who were potentially exposed will be contacted for further medical follow-up. The Dean’s message said that it is important to remember that while anthrax is dangerous, prompt recognition and treatment are effective.
For any questions concerning security, contact Officer Ferrara at 556-4900 or email at gene.ferrara@uc.edu or Officer Fred Davidson at 745-5707 or email at fred.davidson@uc.edu.