Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain as much information as possible.
If you become aware of a bomb threat in the building:
DO NOT
• Do Not use cell phones or two-way radios; radio signals have the potential to detonate the bomb.
• Do Not evacuate the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat. Most often, authorities will require you to assist in locating anything suspicious or out of place.
• Do Not activate the fire alarm. Do Not touch or remove a suspicious package.
IN THE EVENT OF A BOMB THREAT RECEIVED BY PHONE
• Remain Calm
• Utilize the Bomb Threat Checklist to obtain specific information from the caller or from the individual who received the call.
• Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. Do Not Hang Up, Even If The Caller Does.
• Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
• Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
• If possible, while listening to the caller, try to attract someone’s attention in your immediate area discreetly and quietly.
− Write a note to a colleague to call the 911 immediately. As soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself. If possible, do this from a separate phone.
− If possible have another person contact the building management at the same time, or as quickly as possible.
• If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
• Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to use exact words.
IN THE EVENT OF A HANDWRITTEN NOTE OR THREAT
• Handle the note as minimally as possible
• Call 911
IN THE EVENT OF E-MAILED THREAT
• Do Not Delete the message.
• Call 911
