There are three types of potential bomb threats any of us could encounter:

• A telephonic or electronically communicated bomb threat
• A letter or package mailed or delivered to you with a potential bomb
• A package or other object placed at or near your location containing a potential bomb (this may include an abandoned vehicle in which the bomb was placed).

The first line of a good defense is to be prepared for an explosives-related threat. Reviewing your business’s physical security plan, including a bomb incident plan, can help reduce the potential for physical injury and property damage. Proper planning can also instill confidence and reduce the level of panic in personnel.  As a general rule:

• Do not accept packages from strangers.
• If a bomb threat has been made, do not touch suspicious packages.  Notify your local law enforcement agency immediately.  If located in Santa Monica, call 9-1-1.

A BOMB THREAT CALL

It is always desirable that more than one person listen in on the call.  To do this, use an established signaling system to notify the second reception point. 

A calm response to the caller could result in obtaining additional information.  If you are the one to answer the phone when a bomb threat is made note the exact time of the call and the exact words of the caller.  The following are some questions to ask the caller:

• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is the bomb?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Who placed the bomb?
• Why was the bomb placed?
• Where is the caller calling from?
• What is the caller's address?
• What is the caller's name?
• Were there any background noises?
• Does the caller speak with an accent?  If so, what type?
• Any other observations?

Familiarize yourself with the caller.  Was the caller:

Report the call immediately to: Supervisor, Manager, Police, etc.  (Refer to bomb incident plan at your workplace.).  Note the name of the person receiving the call, the telephone number the call was received at and the date and time the call was received.

Be prepared for these possibilities following a bomb threat:

• Evacuate the building quickly but as calmly as possible.  Assemble a distance away while allowing access for emergency response personnel.
• Assist persons with disabilities.
• Follow workplace instructions.

In any disaster situation, listen for news and emergency information on the radio.

If you wish to report a non emergency situation to the Santa Monica Police Department, call (310) 458-8491 (available 24 hours).  In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Remember to remain calm.  Be able to think clearly during a stressful time.  Your composure will help guide you, your co-workers, and your loved ones through any difficult situation.

Helpful Phone Numbers:

• Los Angeles County
  Office of Emergency Management Information Hotline
  (800) 980-4990
   
• State of California
  Governor's Office of Emergency Services
  (800) 550-5234

Other Helpful Websites:

• Center for Disease Control
  www.bt.cdc.gov
• County of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center
  www.lacoeoc.org
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
  www.fbi.gov
• Governor's Office of Emergency Services
  www.ose.ca.gov
• Santa Monica Fire Department
  www.santamonicafire.org
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  www.dhs.gov or www.ready.gov

For more information, call the Community Relations Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8474.

This page was last modified on 01/26/2008