While most bomb threats prove to be false alarms, safe practices dictate that they should always be taken seriously.
The following procedures should be followed when a threat is received:
If a bomb threat is by telephone, keep the threat maker on the line as long as possible. Ask him or her to repeat the message. Pay close attention to the voice and words used by the caller. Following this section is a list to describe the voice, background sounds, and the message.
Obtain as much information from the caller as possible, such as:
Tell the caller the building is occupied and the bomb might cause the death of some innocent people.
Listen for background noises, i.e. trains, planes, intercom/ loudspeakers in that might help determine where the call took place.
Following any bomb threat do not:
After hanging up, immediately pick up the phone and listen for a dial tone. No matter how long the call lasted, it can still be traced. On a touch-tone phone, press 57. Listen for the operator to confirm the trace and hang up. The origin of the last call has been recorded (you will be charged $1.00 for each trace). At the end of the trace, immediately report the threat to District of Columbia Police at 911 and to the building management office at (202) 457-7945, giving as much of the following information as possible:
DO NOT DISCUSS the call with anyone other than your office manager or supervisor, building management, and the District of Columbia Police.
If advised to do so by the police, evacuate the building. Announce a meeting place for roll call and re-entry information.
The building staff will coordinate and work with the District of Columbia Police Department to set up command post operations. The designated office manager for each Tenant will receive notification by telephone and/or personal contact. The decision to evacuate is then left up to the discretion of said office manager. Please note that the Landlord recommends evacuation unless and/or until the authorities give notice that there is no threat to the building or personnel. However, during the building search, if a suspicious item is found, the fire alarm system will be activated by the police, and all occupants must evacuate immediately.
All Tenants will be notified when the building has been thoroughly searched by the District of Columbia Police Department. At this time, the decision to return to the building will be left to the discretion of the Tenant.
Prepare a written report of the incident. This report should be submitted to the Property Manager’s office no later than 24 hours after the incident, if possible, while recollections are still clear.