EMERGENCY PLAN

for

BOMB THREAT

Critical information:

·   Colleges are responsible for assessing bomb threats to determine credibility.

·   All bomb threats must be taken seriously until they are assessed.

·   The decision whether or not to evacuate rests with the college, not the responding agencies, unless a device is located.

Procedures upon receiving a bomb threat:

By phone call

o   Complete the Checklist for Telephone Threats (see next page).

By written note

o   Preserve evidence.

o   Place note in plastic bag, if available.

o   Photograph words written on walls.

·   Notify building administrator or designee.

·   Notify law enforcement.

·   Building administrator orders evacuation or other actions according to threat assessment and college policy.

Caution: Overreacting may encourage additional threats.

Scanning process considerations:

·   Scan classrooms and common areas for suspicious items. Scans should be made by people who are familiar with the building . Assign staff to certain areas of the building. Keep in mind that a bomb could be placed anywhere on college property — inside or outside.

·   Any suspicious devices, packages, etc., should be pointed out to emergency responders. Do not touch.

·   Once a device is located, emergency responders take responsibility for it.

Evacuation considerations:

·   If a decision is made to evacuate, notify staff via phone system, hardwired PA system or by messenger . Do not use cell phones, radios or fire alarm system because of risk of activating a device.

·   While notification is being made, other staff should survey the grounds to clear exits and areas where students and staff will be going. Exit routes should be altered accordingly if the location of the device is known.

·   When evacuating, leave everything as-is. Leave room doors unlocked. Teachers take class roster.

Bomb squads generally will not search a building unless a suspicious package has been located.

CHECKLIST FOR TELEPHONE THREATS

If you receive a telephoned threat (bomb/chemical/other):

·   Remain calm.

·   Do not hang up. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and listen carefully.

Ask the following questions:

·   Where is the bomb/chemical or other hazard?

·   When will it explode/be activated?

·   What does it look like?

·   What kind of bomb/hazard is it?

·   What will cause it to explode/activate?

·   What is your name?

·   Did you place the bomb/hazard? WHY?

·   Where are you?

Exact wording of the threat:  

If voice is familiar, who did it sound like?  

Caller ID information:

Call origin:

Caller’s voice: Note pattern of speech, type of voice, tone. Check all that apply.

Background sounds: Check all that apply.

Threat language: Check all that apply.

Did caller indicate knowledge of the building? Give specifics:    

            G

Person receiving call:  Phone number where call received:  

LEAVE YOUR PHONE OFF THE HOOK. DO NOT HANG UP AFTER CALLER HANGS UP.

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