Maryland Issues Public Awareness Guidelines for Suspicious Powder Incidents
Incidents Occurred in Washington DC but State Officials Want Marylanders to be Prepared
REISTERSTOWN, MARYLAND (May 6, 2011). On Thursday May 5, 2011, Maryland’s law enforcement, emergency management, health and school officials were made aware of a series of letters containing an unknown powder had been delivered to public schools in Washington D.C.
Police are investigating these crimes and to date initial tests have found no toxic substance in the items delivered to the schools and there have been no incidents reported to state officials in Maryland. However, officials recognize that Maryland residents, including those who work in Washington, may have questions and concerns.
“Upon learning of these events yesterday, State law enforcement, emergency management, health and education officials initiated a series of meetings throughout the day and evening reviewing our preparedness and response strategies,” said Richard Muth, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “We believe this is an effort to instill fear and disrupt the daily lives of those who receive these packages,” said the Director, adding that, “Maryland is prepared to respond and we can reduce that fear by raising awareness and informing our citizens to be prepared for how to react should this same scenario occur in their community,” he concluded.
Police say if you receive a suspicious package to stop and not handle it any further. They recommend the following web link and actions:http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/mailsecurity/security.htm
- Call 911
- Alert others about the package
- Isolate the package and leave the area
Some potential indicators of a suspicious package include but are not limited to:
- Incorrectly addressed
- Excessive tape
- No return address
- Misspelled words
- Restrictive markings
- Rigid or bulky
- Oil stains and/or strange odors.
- Excessive postage
Health officials from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have provided the following guidance to assist Maryland residents:
1. Telephone 911 immediately if you receive a suspicious package or letter.
2. Do not open, smell, or taste.
3. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water
4. No preventive antibiotics are recommended at this time for persons potentially exposed to these letters.
For additional preparedness actions and information go to
http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness or MEMA’s web site atwww.mema.state.md.us. Follow MEMA on TWITTER atwww.twitter.com/MEMA_feeds
Suspicious Powder Informational Documents: