3.17.8: In the event of a bomb threat
- Page ID
- 41687
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Emergency Procedure: Bomb Threat
Purpose
To ensure the safety of children, staff, and visitors during a bomb threat, this procedure outlines steps for responding to and managing the situation calmly and effectively. The priority is to evacuate the building safely and coordinate with law enforcement.
Procedure
1. Receiving a Bomb Threat
- If the Threat is Received by Phone:
- Remain calm and listen carefully to the caller.
- Record as much information as possible, including:
- Exact words of the caller.
- Time and date of the call.
- Background noises or voice characteristics.
- Ask the caller specific questions:
- “Where is the bomb located?”
- “What time is it set to go off?”
- “What does it look like?”
- “Why was it placed?”
- Do not hang up the phone, even after the caller ends the call. Leave the line open for law enforcement.
- If the Threat is Received in Writing:
- Handle the document as little as possible.
- Notify the director or supervisor immediately.
- Preserve the written threat for law enforcement.
- If the Threat is Received Electronically:
- Do not delete the message or email.
- Notify the director or supervisor immediately.
- Preserve the message for law enforcement.
2. Notification
- Notify the Director:
- The person receiving the threat must immediately inform the director or designated supervisor.
- The director will assess the situation and contact law enforcement.
- Contact Authorities:
- Call 911 and provide all details of the threat, including information recorded from the caller or message.
- Follow instructions from law enforcement.
3. Evacuation
- Initiate Evacuation:
- Announce a calm, controlled evacuation using a pre-arranged code to avoid panic (e.g., “Attention staff: Please proceed to your emergency location”).
- Follow the center’s designated evacuation routes unless directed otherwise by law enforcement.
- Staff must bring attendance logs, emergency contact information, and a first aid kit.
- Conduct Headcounts:
- Perform an initial headcount as children leave the building.
- Conduct a second headcount at the designated meeting area to ensure all children and staff are accounted for.
- Avoid Using Electronics:
- Do not use mobile phones, radios, or other electronic devices during evacuation, as they could trigger a device.
- Designated Meeting Area:
- Assemble at the designated safe location away from the building.
- Keep children calm and engaged while awaiting further instructions.
4. Await Instructions
- Cooperate fully with law enforcement and emergency personnel.
- Provide details of the threat and assist in searches or investigations if requested.
- Do not return to the building until it has been cleared by authorities.
5. Parent/Guardian Notification
- Initial Communication:
- Notify parents/guardians of the situation and the center’s response via text, email, or phone.
- Reassure families that children are safe and provide instructions on pick-up procedures if necessary.
- Follow-Up:
- Provide updates as the situation develops and once it is resolved.
- Maintain open lines of communication to address parent/guardian concerns.
6. Documentation
- Complete an Incident Report Form detailing:
- How the threat was received.
- Actions taken by staff and emergency responders.
- The outcome of the situation.
- File the report in the center’s emergency records.
7. Post-Incident Review
- Conduct a staff debrief to evaluate the effectiveness of the response.
- Identify areas for improvement and update emergency procedures if necessary.
- Offer support to children, families, and staff as needed.
Responsibilities
Staff
- Remain calm and follow evacuation procedures.
- Supervise and reassure children during the evacuation.
- Conduct headcounts and ensure all children are accounted for.
Director
- Coordinate with law enforcement and lead the response.
- Communicate with staff and families.
- Oversee documentation and post-incident reviews.
By adhering to this procedure, the center ensures a coordinated and effective response to bomb threats, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all children and staff.