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Bomb Threat / Explosion

Although most bomb threats are hoaxes, all threats must be treated as if they are real. Whether in person or by telephone, remain calm and permit the person to talk without interruption. Ask questions:

  • Where is the bomb?
  • When is it going to go off?
  • What kind is it?
  • What does it look like?
  • What will cause it to go off?
  • What is the intended target?
  • Take actual or mental notes on everything said and your observations : time; description of person; voice characteristics, background noise (if a telephone threat)

For all bomb threats:

  • As soon as possible, dial 911.
  • Prohibit any radio frequency transmissions and use of cell phones, PDAs, etc.
  • Evacuate any suspected area and alert other staff.
  • Advise all individuals not to touch, move or disarm any object or item.
  • Advise all individuals not to change any equipment or electrical switches.
  • All action regarding disposal or handling of the bomb or device will be handled by the local police agency or fire department.

If you have a written threat:

  • Handle the note carefully and minimally – just enough to make a copy.
  • Protect the original note from further handling or loss.
  • Wait for further instructions from emergency personnel.

For an explosion,

  • Remain calm.
  • Immediately drop to the floor, close eyes, clasp both hands behind neck, and cover ears and head with forearms.

When the explosion(s) have stopped,

  • Keep everyone inside the location unless instructed to evacuate.
  • Close windows, shut off vents, turn off fans, seal gaps at windows and doorways.
  • Do not smoke, light matches or activate any electrical or equipment switches.
  • Avoid inhaling toxic fumes if possible.
  • Monitor individuals for any signs of injury and report as soon as possible to command or emergency personnel.

For hazardous materials or chemical spill,

  • Stay away from the hazard source. Do not touch or step in any of the material.
  • Do not eat or drink anything; it may be contaminated.
  • Isolate any individuals that may have become contaminated.
  • Monitor individuals for any signs of medical distress and report as soon as possible to command or emergency personnel.

If evacuation is indicated,

  • Proceed uphill, upstream or upwind of the material, fumes or smoke.
  • Designated personnel will take roll sheets with them and take roll in the assembly area.
  • Designated personnel will take the first aid kits and deliver them to the command group area.
  • Quickly assemble in an area away from the exit door and any emergency operations.
  • Do not return to the building unless instructed to do so.

Dial 911 as soon as possible and report the incident to your supervisor Submit any requested documentation immediately.

 

When facing a bomb threat or explosion, swift and composed action is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Here's what to do in such situations:

Bomb Threat:

  1. Remain Calm and Listen: Whether the threat is communicated in person or over the phone, stay calm and allow the person to speak without interruption. Gather as much information as possible by asking questions about the threat, such as its location, type, appearance, and intended target. Take detailed notes of everything said and your observations.

  2. Dial 911: Report the threat to emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence in such situations.

  3. Prohibit Radio Frequency Transmissions: Prevent the use of cell phones, PDAs, and any other devices that could potentially trigger an explosive device remotely.

  4. Evacuate and Alert Others: Clear the suspected area and inform all staff to evacuate immediately. Advise everyone not to touch, move, or attempt to disarm any suspicious objects or items.

  5. Follow Police/Fire Department Instructions: Allow the local police agency or fire department to handle the situation regarding the disposal or handling of the bomb. Cooperate fully with their instructions.

  6. Handle Written Threats Carefully: If you receive a written threat, handle it with care to preserve evidence. Make a copy of the note and protect the original from further handling or loss. Await further instructions from emergency personnel.

Explosion:

  1. Remain Calm and Take Cover: If an explosion occurs, stay calm and immediately drop to the floor. Close your eyes, clasp both hands behind your neck, and cover your ears and head with your forearms for protection.

  2. Assess the Situation: Once the explosion(s) have stopped, assess the surroundings for any immediate dangers.

  3. Secure the Location: Keep everyone inside the location unless instructed to evacuate. Close windows, shut off vents, turn off fans, and seal gaps at windows and doorways to prevent further harm.

  4. Avoid Further Risks: Refrain from smoking, lighting matches, or activating any electrical or equipment switches to minimize the risk of secondary explosions.

  5. Monitor for Injuries: Check for any signs of injury among individuals and report them to command or emergency personnel promptly.

Chemical Spill/Hazardous Materials:

  1. Stay Away from Hazard Source: Keep a safe distance from the hazardous material and avoid contact with it.

  2. Avoid Ingestion: Refrain from eating or drinking anything in the vicinity, as it may be contaminated.

  3. Isolate Contaminated Individuals: Keep individuals who may have come into contact with the hazardous material separate from others.

  4. Monitor for Medical Distress: Watch for any signs of medical distress among individuals and report them to command or emergency personnel immediately.

Evacuation Procedure:

  1. Move to Safe Area: If evacuation is necessary, proceed uphill, upstream, or upwind of the hazard source to minimize exposure.

  2. Designated Personnel Responsibilities: Assigned personnel should take roll sheets and first aid kits to the assembly area and conduct roll calls.

  3. Assemble Away from Emergency Operations: Gather in an area away from exit doors and emergency operations to ensure safety.

  4. Follow Instructions: Follow instructions from emergency personnel and do not return to the building unless instructed to do so.

During any emergency, always dial 911 as soon as possible and report the incident to your supervisor. Submit any requested documentation promptly to assist with the investigation and response.

Department of Homeland Security - Bomb Threat Guidance

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Bomb Threats

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Chemical Emergencies

 

Campus Safety/Security Applications and Systems