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Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Officials respond to threats, but urge calm

By CHRISTINE PRESTON
NEWS-JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

DELAND — The public was urged Monday to remain calm despite more than half a dozen incidents of possible anthrax contamination -- from large department stores to private homes.

Volusia County officials issued the call for calm after receiving an "unprecedented" number of complaints about what callers feared was exposure to anthrax.

"The message we want to convey is the likelihood is very remote that any of these suspicious materials is truly anthrax," said Dr. Bonnie Sorenson, head of the Volusia County Health Department. "Anthrax is difficult to manufacture and just as difficult to contract."

The county's hazardous materials team has responded to 11 anthrax-related calls since Thursday. Seven of those calls were received Monday and included an Albertson's grocery store in Deltona and a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Orange City, a RaceTrac gas station in Ormond Beach and four residences, officials said.

Each call considered a "credible threat" means hazardous materials team members must wear protective gear and special breathing apparatus. Much of the gear is disposed of after one use.

Asked to define a "credible threat," Sheriff Ben Johnson said, "If a suspicious product is found and there is a chance that people and property have to be treated, we call that a credible threat."

Johnson said each response by the hazardous materials team to a "credible threat" costs about $1,000 for protective gear and supplies. So far, he said, six incidents have met those parameters.

Many calls don't require such an elaborate response, Johnson said. Over the last few days, law enforcement officers handled many calls involving suspicious letters and packages. Those run about $500 per incident.

Pete Thornton, environmental administrator for the Volusia County Health Department, cautioned people to call for help if a letter or package looks suspect. Do not shake or bump the package.

Look carefully at all unexpected mail from a foreign country, letters with excessive postage, restricted markings like "personal" or misspelled words.

Some indicators on suspicious packages could include protruding wires, oily stains or discolored wrapping and excessive tape or string.

"In one of today's two large incidents, nine employees were exposed to the suspicious material before the police were called," Thornton said. "A couple of people touched it, others looked at it, one smelled it. That was not the best way to approach something like this. In the other case, only one person touched the suspicious package, immediately sealed it in a plastic bag and called for help."

Johnson said anyone discovered to be responsible for the anthrax scares over the last few days -- even those that turn out to be hoaxes -- will be prosecuted.

"We cannot allow another country or people claiming to represent a certain religion to frighten us out of living our lives," Johnson said.

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