Bomb Threats
The purpose of having a bomb threat procedure is to have
an orderly, safe and rapid procedure of conducting searches, providing prompt
and necessary communications, rendering assistance, and evacuating and returning
personnel to work in the event of a bomb threat.
Telephone Bomb
Threat
In the event of a bomb threat either through a telephone call
or by other means, the following procedure should be followed:
-
Remain calm.
- Try to keep the caller talking as long as possible.
- Ask the person to repeat part of his message.
- Write down the message and obtain as much relevant information as possible.
Below are some of the items listed on the form along with other information
that would aid in the investigation:
- Time the call was received?
- When is the bomb due to explode?
- Identification of the caller?
- Why was the bomb put there?
Try to recall every statement made by the caller and find out as much as
possible about the caller. For example:
- Sex
- Age
- Voice characteristics (educated, low, high-pitched, accent)
- Speech (fast, slow, nervous, slurred throat drinks or drugs)
- Manner (calm, angry, hysterical, humorous)
- Background noises (road traffic, music, giggling, aircraft) After a bomb
threat call has been received, immediately notify the Property Office. The
Property Manager will coordinate the search activities and make necessary
notifications.
Letter Bombs
Letter bombs are designed to travel
safely but to explode when opened, triggered by either mechanical (spring
loaded) or electrical means.
Some signs to look for:
- Size - Is the letter unusually thick?
- Weight - Is it heavy? An effective letter bomb will weigh over two ounces.
Few first class letters weigh as much.
- Balance - Is it heavier on one end?
- Appearance - Are there grease marks on the envelope or wrapping caused by
sweating of an explosive? Is the envelope sealed more tightly than usual or
taped shut? Does it bear an unusual style of writing?
- Odor - Is there a smell of almonds or marzipan?
If you consider a
parcel or letter suspicious, DO NOT OPEN IT. Immediately inform the Police Bomb
Squad by calling 911 and then notify Datawatch Systems at (301) 654-3282 and the
Property Management Office (202) 408-7851.
Identifying a
Suspicious Package
A suspicious letter or parcel might have some of
the following indicators:
- Origin - Postmark or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no further
address is given.
- Postage - Excessive or inadequate postage.
- Balance - The letter is lopsided or unusually thick.
- Weight - The letter or package seems heavy for its size.
- Contents - Stiffness or springiness of contents; protruding wires or
components; oily outer wrapping or envelope; feels like it contains powdery
substance (When checking, do not bend excessively.)
- Smell - Particularly almond or other suspicious odors.
- Writing - Handwriting of sender is not familiar or indicates a foreign style
not normally received by recipient. Common words or names are misspelled.
- Rub-on block lettering.
Handling a Suspicious
Package
- Do not excessively handle or open a suspicious package.
- Immediately segregate it in an unused room or space.
- Attempt to verify the sender and/or the legitimacy of the package (i.e. ask
the recipient if he/she was expecting a package that matches the suspect
package's size and shape.)
- If the letter or parcel remains suspect, call the police.
Incident Response Protocol for Suspect Nuclear or Biological
Release
- Contain the material to minimize the impacted area
- Contain the material to minimize the number of individuals exposed
- Contain the potential impacted individuals to ensure that they receive
proper medical attention
- Remove non-impacted individuals from the area as quickly as possible
- Maintain control of all potentially impact materials.
Notification
- Notify your supervisor
- Notify local Emergency Response Authorities (Call 911)
- Notify Property Management Office at (202) 408-7851
- Notify coworkers in area
Containment
If
material is released, impacted or potentially impacted individuals should move
from immediate area to adjacent control area. Minimize activities until
appropriate response staff arrives. If absolutely necessary, move impacted
individuals into nearest bathroom facility on floor.
Non-impacted
individuals on the impacted floor should be evacuated and await further
instructions from response team.
The HVAC (heating and ventilation)
system for impacted and adjacent areas, as well as for bathrooms/kitchens will
be immediately turned off by the property engineers.
Isolate the impacted
area(s), e.g. shut door during exit. Do not allow any unprotected personnel into
the impacted area.
Retain all impacted material for response
team.
Should evacuation become necessary, the authority and
responsibility rests with the local officials of government. Neither the
Property Management Office, Managing Agent nor Owner can assume responsibility
for any consequences resulting from the decision to evacuate or not to evacuate.