Threatening Calls/Bomb Threat Procedures

Bomb Treats may be received within hours apart or one every five to ten years. Each threat must be treated as real, and every threat must be taken seriously. All threats received, either by person, telephone or mail, must be reported to your lead/OMC immediately.

General Guidelines

As a matter of procedure, staff should routinely question any person in the work area who is unfamiliar, and certainly any person without an I.D. badge. (Staff should be reminded to wear County issued I.D. badges at all times.)

Always be aware of office surroundings. Report any suspicious packages of any kind.

Each clerk should always keep a copy of the Bomb Threat Call Procedures/Checklist under or near his/her telephone. 

Further questions should be directed to your office’s Health and Safety Committee.

In the event of a bomb threat in your facility, the following steps should be taken.

Person Receiving Threat

If you are the one who receives the threat, you should immediately take the following action:

  • Ask the “Four W's”: WHEN, WHERE, WHY and WHO. Document the information on a piece of paper or the “Bomb Threat Checklist.” Refer to https://ssaconnect.sccgov.org/ssaforms/Pages/Agency-Safety--Security/index
  • Immediately call the appropriate person as per office Health and Safety procedures. DO NOT LEAVE A VOICE MAIL. [Refer to Facility Emergency Plan].
  • As per office procedures, the appropriate person will call 911 or 9-911 to report the threat.

  • Reminder: FOR A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, DO NOT DELAY! CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

  • If ordered to evacuate, take the “Bomb Threat Checklist” with you. Give it to the designated person.

  • Note: The decision to evacuate lies with the designated person as per district office procedures. [Refer to the facility emergency plan.]

Evacuation

When instructions are received to evacuate, the following steps must be taken immediately:

  • Leave the building via the nearest exit, visually scanning the area for suspicious objects/packages.
    • Do not use elevators.
    • Do not make telephone calls and do not remain on the telephone. If you are on the telephone you may say, “I’m sorry, we have been ordered to evacuate the building. I have to hang up.”
  • Take personal articles with you that can be quickly removed and easily carried. This makes searching for suspicious packages, bags, etc., easier.
  • Meet at your designated meeting area.
  • Remain waiting at gathering points until further notice.

Related Topics

Introduction

Telephone Answering Policy

Telephone Technique

Telephone Answering Procedure

Telephone Answering Guidelines

California Relay Services (CRS)

Personal Telephone Calls

Department of Employment and Benefit Services Collect Calls

Threatening Calls/Bomb Threat Procedures

Confidentiality