COMSTOCK FOR DELEGATE BLOG
Mailbox Chemical Bomb Awareness & Safety Bulletin
Friday, July 30, 2010
Fairfax County Fire Department Hazardous Materials Section is concerned that the Great Falls community is experiencing a rash of chemical bombs placed in mailboxes., at least five recent reported incidents, perhaps more. Â These chemical bombs include several components, when mixed together and sealed in a plastic bottle, create a reaction that releases gas. The gas causes the bottle to swell until it explodes. The explosions are powerful enough to damage mailboxes and cause potentially serious ham to persons. Â Â
AWARENESS --- If you become aware of a plastic bottle inside a mailbox, or any oily residue in or on a mailbox, damage to a mailbox, materials protruding from a mailbox, hissing or other unusual sound or odors emanating from a plastic bottle, DO NOT DISTURB OR HANDLE the bottle or substance as they may explode when handled.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS --- Leave the bottle where it was found. Keep persons aware from the mailbox or other area. Â Do not try to clean up or remove broken bottles. Â DIAL 911 to request police and/or fire department assistance. Â Instruct people in the immediate area of the bottle or substance to wash their hand and other exposed skin with soap and water. Â
Be aware of unusual activity in your neighborhood, such as strange vehicles or persons stopping at mailboxes, especially if late at night. Â Write down a description of such persons including age, gender, and general description and/or of vehicles, including make/model and license tags. Â
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