Has your facility ever received a bomb threat? It is certainly a frightening experience. The following question and answer can help you employ best practices in the event that you do.
Q: Another practice in our medical complex had a bomb threat called in. What do I need to train our staff to do if it happens here?
A: The exact course of action will depend on whether the threat is received by phone, letter, handwritten note, email, or in the form of a suspicious package. Although what to do varies by situation, in all situations, do not:
- Use two-way radios or cellular phones, because radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb
- Evacuate the building until after the police arrive and evaluate the threat
- Activate the fire alarm
- Touch or move a suspicious package