What is NIH doing to monitor mail and packages to minimize the threat of biohazardous or explosive material causing harm?
NIH inspected and x-rayed packages and suspicious mail at the North Stonestreet main mail facility even prior to September; the scrutiny was increased after the anthrax incidents. Staff from the Division of Safety, the NIH Police, the Emergency Management Branch and Mail Services collaborated and developed response plans. Mail Services staff were given specific training on how to identify suspicious mail, what steps to take with mail, as well as health and safety training on how to deal with potential exposures to hazardous agents. All ICs were instructed to use the NIH main zip code which funnels all mail and packages to the main facility. IC Mail Clearing Houses were provided with some general guidelines and health and safety contact information. Magnetometers were placed in the entrances of public buildings and visitors bags are inspected. Explosive “sniffer” technology is being purchased to use during vehicle inspections.
