Bomb threat or explosion

When responding to a bomb threat or explosion, consider the following guidelines:

		Notification of a bomb threat
		First at the scene
		Organizing a search
		Bomb is found
		Investigating the bomb
		Explosion

Notification of a bomb threat (Bomb threat or explosion)

1. Ask the dispatcher about the bomb threat:
   • the time of the call
   • the time the bomb will detonate
   • where the bomb is
   • what the bomb looks like
   • why the bomb was set up
2. Ask the dispatcher about the caller:
   • exact wording of the threat
   • characteristics, age, sex, speech
   • background noise

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First at the scene (Bomb threat or explosion)

1. Safety first:
   • assume the threat is real
   • assume suspicious substances and objects are dangerous
2. Confirm the facts.
3. Take control of the situation. Let people at the scene know that the police are in charge.
4. Notify your supervisor.
5. Notify the building owner or manager.

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Organizing a search (Bomb threat or explosion)

1. Obtain the cooperation of the owner or manager of the building who:
   • decides to evacuate or not
   • organizes occupants/employees to search the premises
   • provides floor plans and keys
2. Take charge of the situation.
3. Organize the response to the bomb threat.
4. Do not search the premises yourself if you are not familiar with them.
5. Instruct the searchers:
   • not to touch or move a suspected bomb
   • to advise you immediately if they find a suspected bomb
   • to complete the search even if they find a suspected bomb. There may be more than one.
   • to search the exterior
6. Record the areas searched.

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Bomb is found (Bomb threat or explosion)

1. Safety first. Do not touch the bomb.
2. Notify your supervisor and the nearest special unit.
3. Ask the bomb experts about a safe area. Tell them:
   • the size of the bomb
   • the location of the premises
   • the construction of the premises
   • the areas above, below, and beside the bomb
4. Evacuate people to a safe area, often 150 m (500 ft) away.
5. Instruct the evacuees to take their purses, briefcases, coats, and lunches with them.
6. Secure the area.

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Investigating the bomb (Bomb threat or explosion)

1. Do not touch or move the bomb.
2. Observe the bomb and determine if possible:
   • exact location
   • physical description
   • brand name
   • strength and cartridge size
   • condition, colour, and markings
3. Do not transmit by radio within 50 m (150 ft) if you find blasting caps.

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Explosion (Bomb threat or explosion)

1. Safety first. Before you enter the scene, consider:
   • whether the building is safe to enter
   • whether there are more bombs
2. Contact the special unit to search for other bombs.
3. Contact the fire and ambulance services if required.
4. Give first aid to the injured.
5. Evacuate people at the scene.
6. Arrange to have the gas and electricity shut off.
7. Identify other hazards or dangerous goods and arrange to have them contained or removed:
   • gas tanks
   • flammable liquids
   • high pressure equipment
   • chemicals
8. Contain and secure the scene.

See also Dangerous goods

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