Bomb - A device that is capable of producing damage to material and inquiry to death to people when detonated or ignited.
Two kinds of bomb:
Bomb Threat - It is an information or warning that a dangerous device (bomb or similar type of explosive) has been or will be placed in an establishment. There are two elements of a bomb threat:
Respondiong to Bomb Threats:
A. Telephone Bomb Threats
- Voice (sex, age, and accent)
- Speech impediments
- Background noise/s
- Familiarity with the voice (if he/she is familiar to the receiving party) 2. Get the exact words of the person.
3. Do not be emotional when listening to the person. He/she should remain calm or courteous.
4. Know the exact location of the bomb or explosive.
5. Ask for a complete description of the bomb or explosive.
6. Repeat the message of the caller (if possible).
7. Refer the caller to a supervisor or person in authority to extract more information (if possible).
8. Use delaying tactics if possible. For example, engage the caller in prolonged conversation by pretending to have difficulty in hearing.
9. Take the note of the exact time the call was received and the phone number (if the telephone has a caller I. D.)
B. Searching for Bombs
- Its location and description must be reported in detail to the floor leader. He/she should relay it immediately to the person in charge of the control center who will call the police and fire departments. Upon their arrival, they should be escorted to the scene where the object was found.
- Sandbags or mattresses should be placed around the object to minimize damage. Do not cover the object.
- The danger area should be identified and blocked with a clear zone of at least 300 feet, including areas above and below the object.
- All doors and windows should be opened to minimize damage from blast and fragmentation.
- Evacuate the building. Do not permit re-entry until the device has been removed or disarmed and is declared safe by the authorities.
- Remember that the removal or disarming of the bomb or explosive must be left to proffesional bomb disposal unit members.
5. Establish effective communication systems within the security personnel for immediate flow of information.
C. What to do in Case of a Bomb Threat:
D. What to do if the Bomb Explodes:
Two kinds of bomb:
- Explosive - causes damage by fragmentation, heat, and blast wave
- Incendiary - generates fire producing heat without a substantial explosion when ignited
Bomb Threat - It is an information or warning that a dangerous device (bomb or similar type of explosive) has been or will be placed in an establishment. There are two elements of a bomb threat:
- The caller knows or believes that an explosive or incendiary device has been or will be placed in an area, and he/she wants to minimize damage or injury. He/she may be the one who placed the device or someone who knows it.
- The caller wants to create an atmosphere of anxiety or panic within the facility where the device was reportedly placed.
Respondiong to Bomb Threats:
A. Telephone Bomb Threats
- Get the identity of the caller with emphasis on the following features:
- Voice (sex, age, and accent)
- Speech impediments
- Background noise/s
- Familiarity with the voice (if he/she is familiar to the receiving party) 2. Get the exact words of the person.
3. Do not be emotional when listening to the person. He/she should remain calm or courteous.
4. Know the exact location of the bomb or explosive.
5. Ask for a complete description of the bomb or explosive.
6. Repeat the message of the caller (if possible).
7. Refer the caller to a supervisor or person in authority to extract more information (if possible).
8. Use delaying tactics if possible. For example, engage the caller in prolonged conversation by pretending to have difficulty in hearing.
9. Take the note of the exact time the call was received and the phone number (if the telephone has a caller I. D.)
B. Searching for Bombs
- A Person in authority should be designed as floor leader in the establishment. He/she is responsible for directing the search and relaying it to the control center.
- Alert the nearest medical facility to standby during the search to provide immediate medical response in case of detonation.
- Alert the police and fire departments in case of detonation. Employ the most appropriate search possible. For example: (a) Security and maintenance personnel are assigned to search the hallways, washroom, stairways, elevator shafts, utility closets, and areas outside the establishment, while (b) office personnel search their respective areas. Upon completion of the search and when no suspicious object was found, a report must be submitted as soon as possible to the floor leader.
- When a suspicious object was found,
- Its location and description must be reported in detail to the floor leader. He/she should relay it immediately to the person in charge of the control center who will call the police and fire departments. Upon their arrival, they should be escorted to the scene where the object was found.
- Sandbags or mattresses should be placed around the object to minimize damage. Do not cover the object.
- The danger area should be identified and blocked with a clear zone of at least 300 feet, including areas above and below the object.
- All doors and windows should be opened to minimize damage from blast and fragmentation.
- Evacuate the building. Do not permit re-entry until the device has been removed or disarmed and is declared safe by the authorities.
- Remember that the removal or disarming of the bomb or explosive must be left to proffesional bomb disposal unit members.
5. Establish effective communication systems within the security personnel for immediate flow of information.
C. What to do in Case of a Bomb Threat:
- The person who received the call should observe the necessary measures with ease and attention. (See steps during telephone bomb threat.)
- The switchboard operator (if it is available) should be instructed to record the conversation or his/her voice for a voice print.
- The receiver should notify the chief administrator of the establishment immediately. He/She should direct the people in the building or facility to stay outside of the area (at least 300 feet away).
- The establishment administrator must notify the police and fire departments immediately.
- While the authorities are on the way, security personnel should secure all access points to prevent the entrance of any person in the area.
- In case of multiple bomb threats that were received in a month, the administrator should coordinate with the telephone company who can monitor or trace the calls.
D. What to do if the Bomb Explodes:
- The establishment administrator should alert the personnel for possible additional bombs or devices.
- Security personnel should be ordered to secure the bombing scene, evacuate the affected persons, and notify the police and fire departments immediately.
- When fire occurs after the bomb explosion, the establishment administrator should direct available personnel to assist in putting out the fire. Call the fire and police departments as soon as possible.