Bomb Threats

1. Bombs

   1. Bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered in any number of ways. The probability of finding a bomb that looks like the stereotypical bomb is almost nonexistent. The only common denominator that exists among bombs is that they are designed or intended to explode.
   2. Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design only by the imagination of, and resources available to, the bomber. Remember when searching for a bomb; suspect anything that looks unusual. Let the trained bomb technician determine what is or is not a bomb.

2. Bomb Threats

   1. Bomb threats are delivered in a variety of ways. The majority of threats are called in to the target. Occasionally, these calls are through a third party. Sometimes a threat is communicated in writing or by a recording. Two logical explanations for reporting a bomb threat are:
      1. The caller has definite knowledge or believes that an explosive or incendiary bomb has been or will be placed, and he or she wants to minimize personal injury or property damage. The caller may be the person who placed the device or someone who has become aware of such information.
      2. The caller wants to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic that will, in turn, result in a disruption of the normal activities at the facility where the device purportedly was placed.
   2. Whatever the reason for the report, there will certainly be a reaction to it. Through proper planning, the wide variety of potentially uncontrollable reactions can be greatly reduced.

3. Preparation

   1. If a bomb incident occurs, proper planning will reduce the potential for personal injury and property loss. The most contagious of all human emotions, PANIC, is a sudden, excessive, unreasoning, infectious terror. Once a state of panic has been reached, the potential for injury and property damage is greatly increased.
   2. Physical security provides for protection of property, personnel, facilities and material against unauthorized entry, trespass, damage, sabotage or other illegal or criminal acts. The physical security deals with prevention and control of access to the building.
   3. Management personnel have the authority to decide whatever action should be taken during the threat. The designated command center would be the Transwestern Property Management Office. The Police Department and/or Fire Department representatives and members of staff will inspect the building for areas where explosives are likely to be concealed. A bomb disposal unit would be contacted if warranted. A line of communication would be established between the command center and the search or evacuation teams. The Emergency Evacuation Monitor or backup would be responsible for their employees evacuating the building and reporting to their DESIGNATED ASSEMBLY AREA.

4. Procedures

   1. Instruct all personnel, especially those at the telephone switchboard, in what to do if a bomb threat call is received.
   2. A calm response to the bomb threat caller results in obtaining additional information. This is especially true if the caller wishes to avoid injuries or deaths. If told that the building is occupied or cannot be evacuated in time, the bomber may be willing to give more specific information on the bomb’s location, components, or method of initiation.
   3. The bomb threat caller is the best source of information about the bomb. When a bomb threat is called in, complete the Bomb Threat Checklist, then:
      1. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him or her to repeat the message. Record every word spoken by the person.
      2. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ask him or her for this information.
      3. Inform the caller that the building is occupied and that the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.
      4. Pay particular attention to background noises, such as motors running, music playing, and any other noise that may give a clue as to the location of the caller.
      5. Listen closely to the voice (male/female), voice quality (calm/excited), accents, and speech impediments. Immediately after the caller hangs up, report the threat to the person designated by Management to receive such information.
      6. Report the information immediately to the Police Department, Fire Department, ATF, FBI, and other appropriate agencies. The sequence of notification should be established by Management.
      7. Remain available, as law enforcement personnel will want to interview you.

When a written threat is received, save all materials, including any envelope or container. Once the message is recognized as a bomb threat, further unnecessary handling should be avoided. Every possible effort must be made to retain evidence such as fingerprints, handwriting, paper, and postal marks. These will prove essential in tracing the threat and identifying the writer.

While written messages are usually associated with generalized threats and extortion attempts, a written warning of a specific device may occasionally be received. It should never be ignored.

The attached checklist is designed to facilitate the gathering of useful information from the caller. Please read and familiarize yourself with this information.

Call the Police and the Property Management Office immediately to report the bomb threat. Then proceed to complete and deliver the checklist to the Property Management Office as soon as possible. This information is needed by the Police for the apprehension of those individuals involved.

Do not use radios near a building that has received a bomb threat and don’t pull a fire pull lever (they are located throughout most buildings) to evacuate a building. The bomb could be triggered by a radio transmission.

NEVER DISTURB A SUSPICIOUS DEVICE.
IF A SUSPICIOUS DEVICE IS LOCATED, EVACUATE THE AREA AND CONTACT THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICE AT (630) 505-7900