California Penal Code Section 148.1 makes it a felony to falsely report the planting of a bomb. Whenever a bomb threat is received, it should be reported to local law enforcement immediately.

Every business should have procedures in place that cover what to do in case of a bomb threat. Any threat should be taken seriously and businesses should be prepared to suspend regular work hours and procedures as necessary to ensure the safety of employees, customers and other innocent bystanders.

Two distinct types of threats usually are received:

No Bomb Threat Can Be Discredited without an Investigation

Threat on the Phone

Although threats can come in almost any form (letters, memos, writing on a wall, e-mail, etc.), most threats come over the telephone. A strict and consistent procedure should be followed. The person who receives the threat must record as much information as possible. Contingency arrangements may allow a call to be traced.

Searches

• When bomb threats are made, an initial search of the building should be conducted in one of three ways.
• A covert search of the entire premises by management, supervisory, or administrative personnel.
• An overt search of the entire premises by trained teams developed by management.
• An overt search of the entire premises by employees in their working area.

Each method has its own criteria for speed and thoroughness. This should be weighed against the potential risk involved. A search by employees of their own work areas is the most thorough type of search. A system can be set up for each employee to search his or her area overtly or covertly on a predetermined signal (do not use electronic or radio equipment to signal).
NOTE: The local police and sheriff departments will assist in searching when accompanied by an employee.

Do Not Touch a suspected device
Do Not Assume it is the only device
Do Not Change the Environment: Do not turn on or off water, gas or anything with electricity.

 

Searches should cover: Public access areas Evacuation routes Lobbies Restrooms Hallways Stairwells Main office areas

The search should be systematic, encompassing the entire room: Floor-to-waist level Waist-to-chin level Chin-to-ceiling False ceilings Note: Searching a false ceiling may be physically impossible. Leave this to a trained search team that has been developed by management.

When a suspected device is located, do not touch. Contact the supervisor in charge.

Evacuation

During a bomb threat, the decision to evacuate is made by the owner or the manager.

This decision may be determined by a number of factors:

• Category of warning, specific or nonspecific
• Prevalence of bomb threats in the community within a recent time frame, and any previous publicity
• The possibility of carrying out an effective search without evacuation

• Complete evacuation
• Partial evacuation
• To an internal area
• To a safe outside area
• No evacuation

• It is imperative to search evacuation routes before evacuation is undertaken.
• Have people taken to an area away from the premises to avoid possibility of being struck by debris.
• Use the same exit plans as you would for fire alarms with supervisors possibly remaining behind to search the premises.

Letter/Parcel Bomb Detection

At times, the postal service is used to deliver explosive devices. This is a threat that can be minimized by training people to detect if a package might contain explosives.

If You Suspect a Letter or Parcel Might Be Explosive: Do not touch or further handle it. Isolate the area and contact a supervisor for appropriate assistance. Remember, alertness could save your life.

Typical Signs To Watch for in Letter or Package Bombs

• Unusual or unexpected point of origin, an indecipherable address or no return address at all

• Inaccuracies in your address or in titles

• Unusually restrictive markings that are not a normal part of your business dealings (for example, "personal,” "to be opened only by,” "do not delay delivery”)

• Excessive weight or thickness for envelope or package size and/or excessive postage

• Improvised labels or obviously disguised script

• Unusual odors

• The feel of springiness

• Metallic components or stiffeners in letters, protruding wire, string or metal foil

• Oily or greasy stains on packaging or excessive wrapping, binding and taping materials

• Small holes

• Unbalanced or lopsided letters and parcels

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