With reported anthrax cases in New York and Florida and fear of the bacteria being spread through the nations mail, WVU Department of Public Safety officials are asking that employees and students”go about their business as usual,”but report any suspicious looking documents or pieces of mail.

“We have received absolutely no reports of suspicious packages or substances in our mail system,”said Chief Bobby Roberts,”but in a continued effort to keep the University community safe and aware of proper safety procedures, we are issuing the following precautionary tips”consistent with FBI and U.S. Postal Service advisories:

• Should one come into contact with a suspicious piece of mail or package, do not attempt to handle it or to open it.

• Notify your supervisor or safety officer, who should immediately contact DPS who will, in turn, contact the appropriate authorities.

• Make sure the package is immediately isolated.

• Ensure that all persons who touched the item wash their hands with soap and water.

Roberts said”suspicious packages”might have the following characteristics. Be on the lookout for:

• Parcels that are unexpected, or from someone unfamiliar to the recipient.

• Parcels that are outdated or addressed to someone no longer with the organization or living in the home.

• Parcels that have no return address.

• Packages of unusual weight, size or shapeor ones that have strange odors or stains.

• Packages that show a state or city postmark that is different from the return address.

Roberts emphasized that it is not the goal of DPS to cause alarm, but rather”to be safe and diligent in our campus safety efforts.”He asks that employees and students contact DPS at 293-3136 if they require assistance.

For more safety tips from the FBI , go to http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel01/poster101201.pdf

U.S. Postal Service information can be obtained by logging on to: http://www.usps.gov/news/2001/press/pr01_1010tips.htm