Bomb Threat

General Information

Fortunately, the vast majority of bomb threats are false alarms. Unfortunately, it is difficult to differentiate false alarms from genuine threats. As little publicity as possible should be given to the incident, since the objective of the caller is usually to disrupt normal business functions by causing the building to be evacuated.

There are at least two reasons why bomb threats are a serious problem:

1. Serious personal injury can result if an explosive or fire-generating device is set off.
2. Valuable work time is lost during building evacuations.

All suspicious individuals or situations should be reported at once to the management office. The success of the preventive strategy requires full cooperation from all tenants. (For greater detail on the preventive strategy, refer to the Building Security Section)

Procedure

1. The person who receives the bomb threat call:

• Gets as much information from the caller as possible using The Bomb Threat Checklist (Click here for Checklist)
• Dials 911 and reports the threat to the local police or fire department.
• Calls the management office.

If a non-descriptive general bomb threat is received (no description of bomb, no detonation time, no location, etc.), the building will remain open. The decision to evacuate is then the responsibility of each tenant. Total evacuation may be necessary when the threat is specific in nature, the call cannot be resolved as a hoax, or a suspicious object is located. If total evacuation is necessary, the Bomb Threat Notification Procedure will be executed. For evacuation procedures, please click here.

NOTE: Two-way radios may detonate some explosive devices. Therefore, two-way radios should not be used during bomb threats.

1. The management office contacts the Emergency Action Team. The property manager and floor wardens confirm the need to notify company employees of the threat and to evacuate the building.

2. The floor wardens contact the tenant wardens, searchers, and monitors assigned to their floors. In addition, the floor wardens assume full control of their floors and activate the Emergency Action Plan.

3. Tenant Wardens notify employees in a calm and deliberate manner.

   • Carefully worded pre-planned statements can convey the urgency of the situation without causing panic. An appropriate statement might be, “Employees are directed to immediately cease work, gather their personal belongings and proceed to (exit the building or floor [x] via the emergency stairwell). This is not a drill.”

4. Floor wardens inform the management office of any new developments.

NOTE: If your company evacuates the building, use the stairways to evacuate. The Tenant Floor Warden must confirm with the property manager that your company/all personnel have evacuated the building.

Building Staff Responsibilities

Property Manager

1. Assist tenants who have received a bomb threat. Requesting:

• Specifics of the threat.
• If 911 has been called. (If not, the property manager will call 911.)
• If employees have been notified of the threat.

1. Notify the Emergency Action Team.

2. Execute the Bomb Threat Checklist if necessary.

Preventative Measures

• Conduct regular inspections in every suite for suspicious objects. Neat offices that are free from debris and boxes can make a foreign object easier to detect.
• Encourage all employees to report any suspicious persons wandering about the offices, corridors, and restrooms to the management office. If you ever feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 for emergency assistance.
• Monitor all delivery people and repairmen while in your office. Do not leave your office unattended and unlocked for any reason. All drawers, cabinets, compartments, closets, etc. fitted with locks should be kept locked.
• Encourage all employees to comply with the building security access control measures.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat Over the Telephone

1. Complete Bomb Threat Checklist, if possible.

Click here to download a Bomb Threat Checklist

1. If possible, signal a co-worker to dial 911 and request that the call on your line be traced.

2. Inform the dispatcher what building/address you are calling from, and you have received a bomb threat. Tell the dispatcher:

• Your name
• Your company’s name
• Your suite/floor number
• Your telephone number
• Any information from your Bomb Threat Checklist

1. Listen for instructions.

2. Call the management office

3. Wait for further instructions from your tenant warden.