Bomb Threat Emergency

If you or someone in your organization receives a bomb threat, please do the following:

• Handle the call immediately.  It is important that you keep a CALM voice.
• Note the telephone number or line the call is received on and caller ID information.
• Obtain as much information as possible from the caller.  Ask the caller to repeat the message, particularly the location of the bomb, time of detonation, etc. 
• Write the message using the exact words of the caller.
• Listen for background noises that may provide a clue as to where the call is originating.
• Pay attention to the voice of the caller so that you may be able to identify it should you hear it again.  Listen for accents, dialects, speech impediments, etc.
• Upon receiving a bomb threat, immediately call 911 to report the threat, if on the phone with the suspect notify a co-worker of the situation and have them call 911.
• Call the Tenant Service Center at (703) 769-1250, and/or notify Property Management.
• Advise your Office Manager or Supervisor of the threat.
• Meet emergency service personnel responding to your location.
• Leave the building, if you feel it is necessary.

Suspicious Package

• Tenants notified of a bomb threat should determine if any suspicious or unusual objects or packages exist within their premises.
• Do not touch any suspicious package or unknown article.  Secure the area keeping others at a minimum safe distance away.
• If a suspicious object is found, do not use any equipment that emits radio waves.
• The local authorities will remove the suspicious object.
• Do not assume that there is only one suspicious object.

Letter Bombs

• Letter bombs are usually sent through the mail addressed to a specific individual in the company, usually disguised to look like some sort of gift or a small package.  Letter bombs are typically contained within a large size manila envelope ¼” to ½” thick and are fairly rigid and often have the power to kill or seriously maim those in close proximity.
• The technology used in letter bombs has become increasingly sophisticated, and can be difficult to detect visually
• Be especially wary of letters that are mailed to titles -- Chairman, President, Manager, Security Officer, etc. – rather than directly to named individuals.

If you suspect a parcel contains a letter bomb:

• Clear everyone out of the immediate area; establish at least a 25-foot radius around the package.
• Call 911 and notify Building Management.
• DO NOT HANDLE IT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DEACTIVATE IT YOURSELF.