People and businesses have flocked to Internet for numerous reasons, one of them being speed at which we can send and receive information. Businesses like it due to cost effectiveness of reaching targeted customers very quickly, unlike conventional mail system which can be very expensive for direct marketer. One of negatives of Internet continues to be viruses which can cause havoc with computers. Now we have to deal with a more frightening virus in offline world, arriving to us at our very homes and offices via same conventional mail systems which cause marketers to prefer Internet!
Anthrax is arriving to us by airmail!
Yikes! Now any white powdery substance is automatically causing folks to dial 911 in panic.
DO NOT PANIC.
"Knowledge Is Power." The media is doing a great job of getting word out about anthrax, its history, appearance and symptoms that a victim may show.
They are also publicizing what folks need to do, step by step, upon finding something suspicious about their mail. Here's an example:
***SUSPICIOUS UNOPENED LETTER OR PACKAGE WITH/WITHOUT THE THREATENING MESSAGE SUCH AS "ANTHRAX": (Or any other disease)
Do not shake or empty contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
PLACE envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
If you do not have any container, then COVER envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
Then LEAVE room and CLOSE door, or section off area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder (germs) to your face.