Terrorism: Bomb Threats

at your Workplace

Taking Physical Security measures:

Being Prepared for a bomb threat situation will ensure a coordinated response and may save
lives and resources. The first step is to provide physical security of the building.

Most buildings have some sort of security in place and

these may include lights, locks, fences, etc. to protect
the facility and occupants. Increase security by doing
the following:

• Install or add gates, fences, and lights around the

perimeter of buildings, as needed, to control access
to the building.
• Restrict parking within 300 feet of the building. If
this isn’t possible, then have employees park closes
to the building.
• Reduce or eliminate shrubs and planters next to the
building that could conceal criminals or bombs.
• Frequent checks by highly visible security personnel
patrolling the building on the outside and inside, even if just one person is patrolling.
• Install closed circuit TV cameras and post signs that security cameras are used in all areas.
• Install alarms, if not already present, and post signs announcing that an alarm system is in
place.
• Mount doors and gates with hinges on the inside to prevent removal. Solid doors that fit
securely are more secure than hollow core doors.
• Install bars, grates, heavy mesh or steel shutters over windows, vents, transoms and
skylights. Check City and or county codes concerning window coverings so that codes are
not violated.
• Control building access by checking identification
• Inspect all packages and materials prior to entry
• Instruct security and maintenance crews to watch for suspicious activity
• Lock doors to mailrooms, maintenance areas, etc.
• Account for keys issued and, if necessary, re-key or change locks
• Keep all areas free of debris
• Modify entrances so all visitors are directed to a reception desk.
• Reception desk should confirm all visitors and sign them in and out.
• Visitors should be escorted while in the building.

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WHEN A BOMB THREAT IS RECEIVED:

Establish procedures that will guide you and employees safely through a bomb threat
incident . Appropriate responses to a caller may result in additional information on
bomb location, type, or allow additional time to evacuate the building, helping law en-
forcement to better respond to a bomb threat. The
following are some procedures that should be in-
cluded in your emergency plans:

When a bomb threat is called in:

• Keep the caller on the phone

• Repeat what the caller says
• Write down every word.
• Train employees on what to do if a bomb threat is
called in.
• Tape the call if possible, or have another person
listen in.
• Ask for bomb location and time of detonation
• Pay attention to background noises, music, motors, etc., that could give clues to
their location
• Listen to the caller’s voice, accents, tone, and impediments.
• Report incident to law enforcement and remain available for law enforcement inter-
views.

When a bomb threat is a letter:

• Save all materials and don’t handle them.

• Show officers where it is located as soon as they arrive.
• If a bomb is found, leave it alone for law enforcement

Procedures to include in a bomb incident plan:

• Establish procedures on evacuations, relocation sites, and roll calls

• Designate search teams, areas to be searched, and methods to use when searching.
• Establish a method for tracking search teams
• Maintain a list of likely target areas
• Maintain a current blue print of floor diagrams
• Maintain a roster of employees and necessary phone numbers
• Include what to do in the event the bomb explodes.

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