Responding to Bomb Threats - Telephone Procedures

Most bomb threats are made by telephone to places of employment. When you are prepared for such a call, you can respond in a calm manner, ask for specific information about the bomb and listen for some identifying characteristics of the caller. While on the telephone, you may be able to initiate a trace of the telephone number of the caller, providing vital information about the caller's whereabouts.

The following guide will help you record the details of a bomb threat made by telephone.

When a bomb threat is received:

1. Listen.
2. Be calm and courteous.
3. Do not interrupt the caller.
4. Obtain as much information as possible.
5. Initiate call trace action (if available) while the call is ongoing.
6. Using a pre-arranged signal, notify your supervisor while the call is still ongoing. Your supervisor should contact the local police service.
7. Complete the form provided below and give it to your supervisor.

Call trace (obtain this information prior to a bomb threat):

• Steps to take:
• Call trace number to dial:

Details of the bomb threat to be recorded:

• Date:
• Time (include a.m. or p.m.):
• Duration of call:
• Exact wording of threat:

Questions to ask:

• What time will the bomb explode?
• Where is it?
• What does it look like?
• Where are you calling from?
• Why did you place the bomb?
• What is your name?

Identifying characteristics of the caller:

Printable Form: Bomb Threat Telephone Procedures

A printable form outlining all the information provided here is available as a PDF file. Keep this form near your telephone to complete if you receive a bomb threat by telephone.

Bomb Threat Telephone Procedures (PDF)