The Bomb Threat Response Plan

[school’s name here]

The Reality of Bombs

• Bombings are very rare. In the last three years, there were only 65 incidents where an actual explosive device was placed in a school (excluding colleges and universities).

• However, from 1993-1997, juveniles were responsible for 34% of the bombings in the United States. In some states, the percentage is as high as 66%. 87% of the devices that juveniles build function, which is 6% higher than the national average of 81% for all bombs placed on a target. Juveniles have built sophisticated devices, some even using high explosives.

• We must investigate and respond to every bomb threat we receive.

• To respond properly and consistently, we have created a bomb threat response plan. This presentation will explain our plan.

The Reality of Bombs

• Even though bomb threats may be frightening, we must remain calm and professional. Our first priority is to safeguard students and staff. We must stick to the protocol to ensure that panic does not occur.

• We must also take measures to prevent bomb threats.

Penalties for False Bomb Threats

• Making a false bomb threat is a federal offense punishable under United States Code 18-844e, with a penalty of up to ten years in prison, $250,000 fine, or both. This penalty also applies to juvenile offenders.

• [insert state law penalties, if known]

District and School Policy

• Our district has specific penalties and sanctions if a student or staff member is caught making a false bomb threat. [insert district measures and policies here]

• Our school has also adopted additional measures. [insert school measures and policies here]

Prevention

• To combat bomb threats, we have implemented a two-part prevention initiative:– Improve the physical security of the school– Improve relations between students, faculty,

and administration.

• It is especially important that we listen to students and make students feel comfortable coming forward with information.

Prevention

• Here are the specific prevention measures and programs we have taken:– [list specifics of your prevention effort]

• As part of our incident prevention effort, all staff must be alert for suspicious items.

• School staff know what belongs in our building and what doesn’t. If you see an item that you feel does not belong or makes you suspicious in any way:– DO NOT TOUCH IT.– If possible, secure the area (such as locking the

door to the room where the item is).– Notify the Site Decision Maker.

Prevention: Suspicious Items

Prevention: Suspicious Packages

• Many bombs are mailed to the target. All staff who receive mail should be aware of the possible signs of a suspicious package. The presence of a few or many of these items should activate the suspicious item protocol.

Foreign postmark, airmail, or special delivery markings. Postage irregularities, including excessive postage, no postage, or

unusual stamps. Return address irregularities, including no return address, a return

address that does not match the postmark, or a return address that is not familiar to the person the package is addressed to

Delivery address irregularities, including a title with no name, the wrong title with a name,

Badly typed or poorly written addresses Misspelled words Restrictive markings or special handling instructions, such as

"Personal," "Confidential," "Special Delivery," "Open By Addressee Only"

Suspicious package indicators (continued) Visual distractions on the package such as drawings,

statements, or handmade postage A rigid or bulky envelope An oddly shaped, unevenly-weighted, lopsided, or lumpy

package A strange odor coming from the package Oily stains or discoloration on the package Protruding wires or tinfoil Over-wrapping with excessive securing material such as tape

or string A package that is not expected by the addressee A package left by unknown person

Prevention: Suspicious Packages

Although the presence of one of these conditions does not mean, for certain, that there is a bomb in the package, check further if any of these indicators are present. Find out if the recipient is expecting the package, recognizes the return address, and if the package is the right size for the item expected. Verify the return address. If any of these items come up a "no," investigate further and alert police.

Most importantly, DO NOT OPEN ANY SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES. Many mail bombs are triggered by the act of opening the box or envelope. Leave the package where it is, evacuate the area, and call the bomb squad.

Prevention: Suspicious Packages

Bomb Threat Response Plan

Our school has developed a bomb threat response plan. We’ll now discuss the details of that plan.

Bomb Threat Response Team

• Our school has created a Bomb Threat Response Team. This multidisciplinary team has the responsibility of determining and coordinating our response to each bomb threat, as well as interfacing with community emergency services like fire and police.

• The members of our BTRT are:– [list team members]

• Each BTRT member has a specific responsibility. Our BTRT has created a bomb threat response plan specifically for our school.

Site Decision Maker

The head of the BTRT is the Site Decision Maker. Our Site Decision Maker is [insert name]. This person will coordinate all activities and make all final judgment calls. In the event that this person is not available, [insert name] is the alternate.

Coordination with Emergency Services

The BTRT has coordinated all its efforts with fire, police, the bomb squad, and other community resources. Each agency’s role has been defined and emergency services have visited our school to plan their response. We are striving for a seamless response to all incidents.

Facilities Review

In cooperation with emergency services, we have conducted a review of our facilities and have implemented additional physical security measures where deemed appropriate. [Discuss any new measures that staff should be aware of.]

Communication Methods

• In the event that the BTRT needs to communicate instructions to staff and students, we will utilize [name of communication method].

• If that primary method is unavailable, we will utilize [name of communication method].

Threat Reception Protocols

The BTRT has implemented specific protocols for receiving a bomb threat and gathering information. All staff will be trained in these protocols.

Threat Assessment

• Once a threat is received, the BTRT is assembled. The Threat Assessment Team then assesses the threat and determines an appropriate response.

• Responses may include search and evacuate if warranted, evacuate, or another method.

Response

Once the BTRT and Threat Assessment Teams have determined how to proceed, the Search Teams may be assembled to search the school and/or the Evacuation Units may be deployed to oversee evacuation. These teams have been trained and all staff is being trained in evacuation procedures for a bomb threat.

Response

If the threatener is known and is a student, the BTRT/TAT may take additional steps, including interviewing the threatner, and his/her teachers, friends, and parents. The Team will then determine appropriate immediate and long-term responses to address the current situation and the student’s long-term well-being.

Searching Own Areas

• If a search is called for, you will be notified via [insert communication method and code or statement].

• This will be your notification to check your own area for suspicious items. Visually sweep your room, looking for out-of-place items. If you find anything out of the ordinary, take the following steps.

Suspicious Items

Click the video box to begin.

Search Teams

The common areas of the building and the exterior will be searched by volunteer search teams who have been trained for this activity.

Evacuation

If an evacuation is called for, you will be notified [insert notification method]. Then, a specific evacuation protocol will be followed. All staff are being trained in this protocol.

Special Situations

• We have additional steps for situations when a bomb threat involves:– A school bus [explain measures]– A special event [explain measures]– A field trip [explain measures]– Before or after school hours [explain measures]– During summer school [explain measures]

If There is an Explosion

• Administration will call 911, Fire, and Police.

• Take cover. Remain where you are unless you are in immediate danger. If you are in immediate danger, get quickly to the nearest safe location.

• Notify the Office via [communication method] immediately if someone you are with is injured or if you are injured. Also notify the office if you have any information about the explosion or what might have caused it.

• If possible and you are trained, render emergency assistance to injured persons in the area.

• Administration will communicate instructions to staff as quickly as possible.

• Custodial staff will shut off gas and electricity to the building if it can be done safely.

• Administration will assess what exploded, where, and what injuries were caused. We will determine evacuation course of action and communicate with first responders.

• As quickly as possible, EMS will treat injuries.

• If the decision is made to evacuate, you will receive evacuation instructions.

Follow-Up

• The BTRT debriefs after every bomb threat response to improve our procedures. Please contact one of us if you have feedback.

• In cooperation with law enforcement, our school investigates every bomb threat and attempts to find out who perpetrated it and take appropriate action. If you hear any rumors or discussions about the threat, please speak to a member of the BTRT.

• Encourage students you work with to tell you if they have any knowledge of who made the threat. Then, report this information to the BTRT.

Follow-Up

• Our school provides support services for staff and students after a bomb threat. Please see [name of mental health person or counselor] if you or someone you work with needs assistance.

• Our school also properly reports each bomb threat to law enforcement and to the district.

Thank You

Understanding and following procedures will be extremely important in an emergency where emotions may be running high. Thank you for your attention.