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During this time of heightened national security, the Naugatuck Valley Community College Public Safety Department (PSD) has taken the following steps to limit any possible exposure and to respond to any threat of Bio-Chemical agents on campus:

• We have established a policy & procedure for PSD dispatchers and officers to respond to any reported threat or actual finding of a suspicious material or container.
• We have asked that the US Postal Service provide safety training for our mail handlers and shipping and receiving personnel - they are back logged but will provide assistance ASAP
• We have reviewed our resources for support services - Waterbury Fire Department, the state Department of Environmental Protection, health agencies and Connecticut State Police Emergency Services.
• We have and will continue to monitor all information available from the Center for Communicable Disease, the Connecticut Emergency Preparedness Center, State Police, FBI and all other reliable sources.
• We will post alerts or take more expedient actions if and when the need arises.

With the realization that safety and precautions are not the sole responsibility of this department, but in fact an obligation of all members of this community we ask that:

• All users of any powders, specifically laboratories, maintenance workers and personal cosmetic users clean up and dispose, in a manner which is environmentally safe and leaves no traces, of any materials you might be using that could be mistaken for a chemical or biological material - one form of Anthrax is a white sweet smelling powder form of the bacteria. Dairy creamer containers should be kept closed and clean and the residue from each use disposed of properly - leaving no traces.
• Do not joke, start rumors or attempt practical jokes concerning this matter - people are as inclined to be injured or panic by these falsifications as a real incident. Any hoax or actions which might cause alarm to the campus body will be thoroughly investigated and prosecution sought if warranted.
• Report any and all suspicious materials, packages, incidents or other information that might indicate a hazard or threat. Do not minimize your fears - there is no such thing as a minor threat! After a real incident more than one has been heard to say "… I should have said something..." . If you believe that there is a threat, do not become concerned with others' feelings or your position of employment. If you feel endangered, report!
• Report your concerns to 575-8113 - or in an emergency to 575-8112. Do not contact other public safety agencies as you will confuse and slow the responders.
• Please do not panic and make every effort not to panic others.

SUSPICIOUS PARCELS
Postal Inspectors suggest the following as some of the characteristics of suspicious parcels:

• Unexpected or from a source not known or familiar to you.
• Addressed to someone no longer with the college or otherwise outdated.
• No return address or one that does not appear legitimate.
• Unusual weight given the size or oddly shaped or lopsided.
• Marked with restrictive endorsements such as CONFIDENTIAL or PERSONAL with no apparent reason.
• Protruding wires, strings or strange odors.
• Show a city, state or country postmark that does not match the return address.

Procedures you might take if you suspect that a parcel is suspicious, especially if there is an indication of a possible containment such as powder or liquid leaking.

NOTE: These suggestions pertain to mail handlers and shipping & receiving personnel:

• Do not try to open the article. Take measures to isolate it.
• Evacuate the immediate area - close all entrance and exits as well as windows and shut down any ventilation, if possible, on the way out of the area.
• Call Public Safety immediately at 575-8112, give your location and remain there until responders arrive.
• Do not handle the parcel or package in any manner.
• Do not shake or empty any contents.
• If possible cover the parcel with a plastic bag or other container to prevent spillage.
• If you have any suspicious material on your person DO NOT touch it or touch other parts of your body with the contaminated parts. Wash the effected areas immediately and be prepared to remove any contaminated clothing at the earliest possible time.
• Note and list all persons in the location of the suspicious item and make all attempts to have them remain with you until Public Safety arrives.
• As in the case of bomb threats, PLEASE do not spread panic by attempting to warn those not in a possibly effected area. This department will make any alerts deemed necessary.
• Give complete cooperation to the first responders and to any ensuing investigation.

Anthrax is a new scare, as are other forms of bio-chemical agents and they are real. We must remember, however, that our public safety and emergency resource organizations, as well as health agencies, have experienced severe problems in the past, including natural disasters, pipe bombs, threats and real incidents of civil disturbance. These source will learn to combat all new and future threats, and with the assistance of all support agencies, the State of Connecticut and your Public Safety Department, will make all efforts to assure a safe and open campus at NVCC.

Thank you and stay alert and safe for United We Will Stand.