Critical Information:

• Schools are responsible for assessing bomb threats to determine credibility.
• All bomb threats must be taken seriously until they are assessed.
• The decision whether or not to evacuate rests with the school, not the responding agencies, unless a device is located.

If you Receive a Bomb Threat:

• Building administrator/designee should be notified
• Notify law enforcement
• Building administrator orders evacuation or other actions according to threat assessment and school policy.

Caution: Overreacting may encourage additional threats.

Click here for a Checklist for Telephone Threats

If you receive a threat by written note:

• Preserve evidence
• Place note in plastic bag, if available
• Photograph words written on walls.

Bomb Scanning (searching) Process:

• Scan classrooms and common areas for suspicious items. Scans should be made by people who are familiar with the building. Assign staff to certain areas of the building. Keep in mind that a bomb could be placed anywhere on school property—inside or outside.
• Any suspicious devices, packages, etc., should be pointed out to emergency responders. Do not touch.
• Once a device is located, emergency responders take responsibility for it.

Evacuation Considerations:

• If a decision is made to evacuate, notify staff via phone system, hardwired PA system or by messenger. Do not use cell phones, radios or fire alarm system because of risk of activating a device.
• While notification is being made, other staff should survey grounds to clear exits and areas where students and staff will be going. Exit routes should be altered accordingly if the location of the device is known.
• When evacuating, leave everything as-is. Leave room doors unlocked. Teachers take class rosters.

Bomb squads generally will not search a building unless a suspicious package has been located.

Teacher Procedures After Being Notified of Bomb Threat:

• Turn off any wireless devices such as portable radios or cell phones.
• Before leaving the room, scan for any foreign or out-of-place items. Do not touch anything but notify custodian and/or administrator of anything that looks suspicious.
• Do not open drawers, desks, cabinets or lockers.
• Teachers will be told whether to evacuate and what their evacuation route will be. It may be different from regular evacuation route. Wait for instructions.