Handbook

Bomb Threat

General Information

Fortunately, the vast majority of bomb threats are false alarms.  Unfortunately, it is difficult to differentiate false alarms from genuine threats.  As little publicity as possible should be given to the incident, since the objective of the caller is usually to disrupt normal business functions by causing the building to be evacuated. 

Click here to download a bomb threat checklist as well as bomb threat procedures. 

In addition, it is important to relate the instructions below not only to Tenant Emergency Response Team members but also to all individuals answering the telephones at your company.

If a tenant receives a bomb threat, it is usually over the telephone by an anonymous caller.  If you receive a bomb threat, attempt to do the following:

Ask the caller:

When is it set to explode? 
Where is it located? 
What does it look like?  
Is it in a package or briefcase?
Why did you place the bomb there?
What type of explosive did you use?
What will make it explode?
Where are you now?
What is your address?
What is your name?

Note the following:

Male or Female: 
Any Accent:  
Time of day:  
Exact Wording of the threat:  
Approximate Age:            
Callers Voice (calm, excited, drunk, angry, vulgar):
Background Sounds:

Call the property management office at 804-344-3600.

Notify your supervisor and other floor occupants.

Since office personnel are the most familiar with their area, a quick check for suspicious packages, briefcases, etc., located in their area is the best search that can be made. Any person finding such items should immediately report it to the Floor Warden.  The Floor Warden will give instructions to evacuate the floor should it become necessary. Evacuation routes and procedures should follow that of a fire evacuation.

LETTER & PACKAGE – BOMB RECOGNITION POINTS:

Foreign Mail, Air Mail & Special Delivery 
Excessive postage  
Hand written or poorly typed address  
Incorrect titles 
Title but no names
Lopsided or uneven envelope 
Protruding wires or tinfoilRestrictive markings, such as Confidential, Personal, etc.
Misspelling of common words
Oily Stains or discolorations
Partial or no return address
Excessive weight
Rigid envelope
Visual distraction
Excessive securing material (i.e. masking tape, string, etc.)