Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information using this checklist.
If a bomb threat is received by phone, do this:
- Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.
- Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
- Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
- If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.
- If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
- Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist (below) immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words.
- Immediately upon termination of call, DO NOT HANG UP, but from a different phone, contact authorities immediately with information and await instructions
Ask the caller:
- Where is the bomb located? (building, floor, room, etc.)
- When will it go off?
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- What will make it explode?
- Why did you put a bomb there?
- What is your name?
- Where are you calling from?
RECORD THE EXACT WORDS OF THREAT USED BY THE CALLER.
Record as many of the following details about the caller as you can:
- Estimated age
- Gender
- Angry
- Calm
- Excited
- Clearing throat
- Coughing
- Cracking voice
- Crying
- Deep or high voice
- Deep breathing
- Disguised voice
- Distinct voice
- Laughter
- Lisp
- Loud
- Soft
- Nasal
- Normal
- Incoherent
- Message read
- Taped message
- Irrational
- Profane
- Well-spoken
- Ragged
- Rapid
- Raspy
- Slow
- Slurred
-
Stutter
Record as many details about the call as you can:
- Local or long distance
- Background noise/level of noise
- Animal noises
- House noises
- Kitchen noises
- Street noises
- Booth
- PA system
- Conversation
- Music
- Motor
- Clear
- Static
- Office machinery
- Factory machinery