How to Handle a Bomb Threat in Schools

In recent years, I have been privileged to conduct security assessments for multiple school districts. Part of my job includes physically inspecting security measures already in place. Physical security elements play a significant role in protecting our students against a wide range of threats, including bomb threats.

In addition to physical security measures, a school's policies and procedures help protect students and staff by ensuring a plan is in place for all threats. It's important to remember that bomb threats can occur anytime, so schools must always be prepared. The three most common types of bomb threats directed toward schools are phone calls, written correspondence, and suspicious packages.

This blog will address the three types of bomb threats, outline the crucial role of each individual in responding to the threat, and discuss the importance of training school personnel and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures to address bomb threats.

Types of Bomb Threats and How to Respond

Phone Threat— This is the most common bomb threat directed toward schools. Bomb threats received over the phone are taken seriously until proven otherwise. If a bomb threat is received, whether from a person making the call or by a robocall, the response should include the following:

• The call taker within a school is generally a school secretary. It is a best practice to develop a bomb threat checklist detailing directions for the call taker once they determine a threat against the school is being made. 

The call taker’s primary responsibilities include remaining calm and cooperating with the caller. The call taker should not hang up the phone but should instead try to prolong the conversation to identify background noises or discrepancies in the caller's statements, such as mispronouncing school or town names.

• Administration near the call taker should notify law enforcement immediately once they are alerted to the threat. All staff should halt two-way radio and cell phone use until law enforcement gives the all-clear. Signals from radios and cell phones run the risk of stray radio frequency, which can potentially detonate a live bomb. It is a best practice to communicate in person when a threat is made.
  
  
• It is a best practice to remain inside the classroom during a bomb threat made over the phone. Teachers should treat the situation as a shelter-in-place unless instructed by law enforcement to evacuate the building.
  
  
• Students should stay inside the classroom and follow instructions from the teacher, administration, and law enforcement as necessary. Students should refrain from cell phone use as much as possible until the threat has been investigated and cleared.

Written Correspondence—Written bomb threats can take various forms, such as handwritten notes, emails, or social media messages, and can be anonymous. When responding, it's crucial to treat the message as a real threat until proven otherwise.

• When an individual receives a threat through social media or email, they should notify law enforcement immediately. They should not log out of the account. Instead, leave the message open, take a screenshot or copy the message, and note the date and time.
  
  
• If the threat is written on paper, the finder should minimize handling the document. Note the date, time, and location of the discovery. Secure the document to prevent tampering, and do not make any changes to it.
  
  
• School administrators should retain all information regarding the incident and communicate all critical details to local law enforcement. They should also encourage in-person communication among staff and turn off two-way radios and cell phones.
  
  
• Teachers and students should stay inside the classroom and follow administration and law enforcement instructions. Unless instructed otherwise, treat the situation as a shelter-in-place. Avoid using cell phones until the threat has been investigated and cleared.

Suspicious Package—A suspicious package is any item potentially containing explosives, an IED, or any other hazardous materials that requires a response from a bomb technician. This differs from an unattended package that is not accounted for and shows no apparent signs of being suspicious.

•  Any individual who finds an item that is associated with a threat, appears hazardous, or is unrelated to the school environment should immediately call for help from building administrators and law enforcement. No one should touch, tamper with, or move the item. Document the date and time the item was found and why it appears to be a suspicious threat instead of an unattended item.
  
  
• School administrators should initiate appropriate lockdown procedures according to their policies and procedures and move any person near the package out of the area. Staff should follow instructions from first responders, who will assess the situation and give directions for sheltering in place or evacuation.
  
  
• Teachers and students should remain inside the classroom and follow administration and law enforcement instructions. When a suspicious package is found, it is unknown if additional suspicious items could be in other locations. It is a best practice for teachers to scan the classroom for anything unusual or suspicious. If an item inside the classroom seems suspicious, do not approach the item, and immediately alert administrators and first responders.

Policies and Procedures

Training staff on how to respond to a bomb threat is the first step toward a swift and successful response. School staff should work with local law enforcement authorities to determine protocols for evaluating bomb threats, as well as shelter-in-place and evacuation procedures. Training should occur at least once per school semester to ensure all staff have the latest information.

Comprehensive policies and procedures for handling a bomb threat, including identifying reunification and media staging areas, are essential. Develop procedures for conducting evacuations (short and distant), alternative sites, transportation procedures, and reunification with families.

School support employees such as bus drivers, custodians, and secretaries, who are likely to encounter bomb threats, should be included in training. Bus personnel should also clearly understand their role in a distant evacuation situation, including the location of evacuation and reunification sites.

Establish a clear communication plan. Maintain communication between school officials and parents and school officials and first responders. Ensure a well-developed crisis communication and social media plan is in place to provide accurate information to parents, the media, staff, and students.

Final Thoughts

No one-size-fits-all solution exists to entirely prevent security threats to our schools. It is important to understand the different types of bomb threats and risks they pose to our schools so we can work together to mitigate them. Knowing what to do immediately when a bomb threat is discovered can ensure a safe outcome for everyone involved. Bomb threat response is a team effort, and with proper knowledge, training, and support, we can ensure the safety of our schools.