Town tightens security

FBI warns all states to be on alert

By: Nick D’Amore
   Various township departments have stepped up security measures or put new ones in place to counter the potential for anthrax cases or possible terrorist acts in the township.
   Ron Schmalz, township public affairs coordinator, said the FBI has told all states to be on heightened alert because of the potential for continued terrorism and bioterrorism, such as anthrax.
   "The state has provided us with protocol to handle different scenarios," he said.
   He said the South Brunswick Police Department will meet with county officials to discuss a surveillance system to identify when problems arise and proper procedures for dealing with anthrax exposure.
   Mr. Schmalz said the township has had about 20 calls regarding suspicious letters or packages, all of which turned out to be negative.
   "The residences and businesses are following guidelines of the federal, state and county governments to report anything suspicious," he said.
   "The community has been good with notifying us," he said.
   Doug Wolfe, fire coordinator for Fire District 2, said the fire departments have been dispatched to handle any calls about suspicious mailings.
   "We treat it as a hazardous materials call and act accordingly," he said.
   He said the fire departments had been on high alert since the Sept. 11 attacks, but things have gotten back to normal, except for concerns about anthrax in the mail.
   "We’re as secure as you can be," said Mr. Wolfe.
   Mr. Schmalz said there also is extra security in place at various locations in the township, which he could not specify for security reasons.
   "I feel we’re pretty well prepared for anything," he said.
   Marilyn Thorbahn, postal spokesperson, said the local post offices are providing their employees with nonlatex gloves and masks.
   She said employees also have been briefed daily regarding looking out for suspicious packages.
   "They’ve been instructed to notify their supervisor if they come across anything suspicious," she said.
   "There have been specific safety talks about anthrax, which have gone into extreme detail," said Ms. Thorbahn.
   She said the employees have been doing a good job getting things done amid all the distractions.
   David Klucsik, director of external affairs for Rhodia Inc., said that while it does not do manufacturing from its office, there have been stepped-up security measures.
   He said there is increased security in Rhodia’s laboratories and that there is an existing system to get into the locked building.
   Mr. Klucsik said the company has placed restrictions on overseas travel. Rhodia’s main office is in Paris.