Bomb Threat

When you recognize that a call is a bomb threat, please try to remain calm. Be courteous, try not to irritate the caller in any way, listen carefully for any vocal or background indications of the caller's identity or location. If possible, take notes while the caller is on the phone, write down anything that the caller says. Try to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible. Don't upset the caller; be as cooperative as you can. Try to get as much of the following as possible by asking:

• Where is the bomb?
• When will it go off?
• What does the bomb look like?
• Did you place the bomb?
• If so, why?
• If not, how do you know about the bomb?
• Are you working alone?
• Are you affiliated with a group?
• If so, what is the name of the group?
• Can you get in contact with them to discuss the situation?
• Will you call again, either before or after the bomb goes off?
• If so, will you be contacting this same phone number?

(This is actually a part of our emergency action plan at work on how to handle a bomb threat... I especially enjoy the last two questions!)