Preparedness

Bomb threats should always be taken seriously. Do not assume that a bomb threat is a prank call or that they are only made to the Management Office. Anyone can receive a bomb threat and all building occupants should be prepared.

Telephone Bomb Threats

1. The person receiving the call should try to get as much information as possible from the caller and should write out the message exactly as received from the caller.
2. Listen carefully. You may be able to help authorities identify the caller, his location, or the location of the explosive by his comments, vocal characteristics and any background noise.
3. Keep the caller on the phone for as long as possible. Ask the caller to repeat the message.
   
4. Obtain as much information from the caller as possible such as location of bomb, time of detonation, appearance of bomb, and callers’ reason for planting the bomb.
5. Remind the caller that the building is occupied and that the bomb might cause the deaths of innocent people.
6. Once the caller has hung up, immediately contact the Management Office and provide the following information:
   • Your name
     
   • Your location (building and suite number)
     
   • Your phone number
     
   • Name of any other person who heard the threat
     
   • Name of any employee threatened by the caller and his/her work location
     
   • Time the bomb is to detonate if known
     
   • Location and description of the bomb if known
     
   • Any reason given for planting the bomb
     
   • Any other information received from the bomb threat perpetrator
7. Complete the Bomb Threat Questionnaire and provide it to management personnel as soon as possible after the call was received.

Suspicious Packages or Mail Bombs

Letter bombs are usually sent through the mail addressed to a specific individual in the company, usually disguised to look like some sort of gift or a small package. Letter bombs have the power to kill or seriously maim anyone in close proximity. Letter bombs are usually contained within a large size manila envelope 1/4" to 1/2" thick and are fairly rigid.

However, the technology used in letter bombs has become increasingly sophisticated, and can be difficult to detect visually. Letter bombs have been mailed from cities or small towns in the United States, as well as from foreign countries. Be especially wary of letters that are mailed to titles - Chairman, President, Manager, Security Officer, etc. - rather than directly to named individuals.

If you suspect a parcel contains a letter bomb:

• Clear everyone out of the immediate area; establish at least a 25-foot radius around the package.
• Notify the police at 911 and Building Management.
• Do not handle it under any circumstances.
• Do not attempt to deactivate it yourself.