A bomb threat may be received by phone or mail at any time. Thousands of bomb threats are received and fortunately most of them are just that – threats. However, every threat should be taken seriously and investigated.

WRITTEN THREATS

For a letter or parcel bomb look for: 

·     Excessive postage    

·     No return address     

·     Excessive weight       

·     Incorrect titles

·     Restrictive markings – such as confidential or personal

·     Oily stains or discoloration

Save all materials, envelopes, and containers. Avoid unnecessary handling to preserve fingerprints, handwriting, printing, postmarks, etc.  Preservation of evidence is essential.

Upon receipt of a written threat or suspicious package:

1.   Prevent anyone else from handling it.

2.   Notify the Department Manager.

3.   Follow instructions of Emergency Personnel.

TELEPHONE THREATS

1.   Notify the Emergency Director or Department Manager.

2.   Follow instructions of Emergency Personnel.

The majority of threats are communicated by the telephone. Remain calm. Write down the exact wording of the threat. Ask questions, for example:

When is the bomb going to explode?

Where is it right now?

What does it look like?

Why are you doing this?

Note background sounds, caller’s voice and accents.  Do not put the caller on hold, and don’t hang up until the caller does.

Upon receiving a telephone threat:

1.  Immediately notify Department Manager.

2.  Fill out a telephone bomb threat questionnaire as soon as possible.

3.  Follow instructions of Emergency Personnel.

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A bomb threat may be received by phone or mail at any time

Every threat should be taken seriously and investigated

Prevent anyone else from handling suspicious package  

Note background sounds, caller's voice and accents

Immediately notify the Safety Director