Bomb threats – Get Prepared

Responding to a bomb threat

Bomb threats are commonly made over the telephone, but they can also be made via email, hand-written note or letter, in-person, or other means. Every bomb threat is unique and it should be managed in the context of its situation, location, and environment.

Over the phone

If you receive a bomb threat over the phone, try to stay calm and do not hang up. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible to gather information.

Take detailed notes of any information available, including:

• Phone number
• Speech and voice description
• voice (such as volume, depth, noticeable speech pattern, accent, etc.)
• disguised, muffled, or strange-sounding
• shrill or deep voice
• Background noises
• traffic, buses passing, or other distinctive noises  
• bells ringing
• printer sounds
• The words used might provide specific information about the threat

When the call ends, call 9-1-1 and follow your building security procedures.  

Via email

If you receive a bomb threat via email:

• Leave the message open on your computer
• Don’t delete or respond to the message
• Call 9-1-1 and building management immediately
• Take a screenshot or photo of the message, including the subject line, date and time
• If the message mentions a specific location where a bomb might be placed, site security should confirm if there’s something suspicious or out of place
• If something suspicious is found, evacuate the area and call 9-1-1
• Restrict access to the threatened site until authorities arrive

Call 9-1-1 and building management immediately

Via hand-written note or letter

If you receive a bomb threat via a hand-written note or letter, touch the message as little as possible.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Do your best to secure the original message by leaving it exactly where you found it
• Restrict access to the threatened site until authorities arrive

Try to note the following:

• The conditions surrounding the discovery or delivery of the letter such as the date and time
• The full names of people who may be a witness

In-person

If you receive a verbal or in-person bomb threat, try and remain as calm as possible. Do not act aggressively towards the person making the threat.

Try to note the following:

• The threat as it was communicated, and exact wording used
• The conditions or details such as time and location
• The full names of people who may be a witness
• The description of the person who made the threat:
• name (if known)
• clothing description
• physical details such as height and weight
• hair and eye color
• distinguishing features (such as a scar, tattoo or hair style)
• voice (such as a loud, deep, noticeable speech pattern, accented)
• The direction they went
• Method of transportation such as on foot or a vehicle

When the person leaves, call 911 and follow your building security procedures.

Other considerations

If you have been notified of a bomb threat and a suspicious package is found, do not touch it. Leave the area and call 9-1-1 immediately.

If possible, leave doors and windows open to provide access to the responding authorities. It will also disperse the blast pressure in case there is an explosion, and potentially reduce any damage.

If your office is been evacuated, go to your muster point and wait for further instructions.

In the case of an explosion

• Evacuate the building as quickly and calmly as possible
• If items or pieces of furniture are falling and blocking your exit, get under a sturdy table until the situation has stabilized enough for your safe passage
• Ensure your own safety before trying to help others

Date modified:

2024-11-12