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What: |
Full Scale Biohazard Detection System (BDS) Exercise (Drill) |
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Who: |
USPS Oakland Processing & Distribution Center (P&DC), Postal Inspection Service, Oakland Police and Fire Dept., Alameda County Health Dept. |
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When: |
Wednesday, September 25, 2013, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
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Where: |
Oakland P&DC,1675 7th Street, Oakland CA 94615 |
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Background: |
The Oakland P&DC has an early warning system called the Biohazard Detection System (BDS). BDS is a technology that uses DNA analysis to detect the bacteria that causes anthrax in the collection mail stream with extremely high reliability. It is part of the Postal Service’s commitment to keep employees, customers and the mail safe. On Wednesday, September 25, at 9:00 AM, the Oakland P&DC will begin a full scale BDS exercise or drill, which will test the evacuation plans we have in place to respond to a BDS alarm. A full scale exercise requires the Postal Service to work with local emergency first responders, such as the Oakland Fire Dept., Police Dept., the county public health office and our postal inspectors. This will only be an exercise, which will include the evacuation of our day shift employees in the mail processing center. The customer retail lobby and the Bulk Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) will remain open during the drill. BDS is part of the Postal Service Emergency Preparedness Plan to satisfy compliance with Department of Homeland Security requirements on domestic emergency preparedness. |
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