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Bomb Evacuation Procedures

Since the World Trade Center (2,819 deaths) and the Oklahoma City bombings (168 deaths), Americans have become increasingly aware that terrorists--whether foreign or domestic--have no qualms about killing innocent civilians. That is why it is important to know what the bomb evacuation procedures are for the building in which you live or work.

  1. Remain Calm

    • Whether you receive a call or a letter about a bomb in your building, or a suspicious package is delivered, the first thing you need to remember is to remain calm. If you are on the phone with the perpetrator, try to get as much information from him as you can, so you can assist the police later. Grab a pen and paper to jot down anything the suspected terrorist says, and any background noises you hear, suggests the Fairfax, Virginia Emergency Response Plan. If the threat is received by mail, do not handle the package any more than is necessary, because the wrapping could contain vital clues or fingerprints of the perpetrator. If a suspicious package is received, quickly and without panic remove everyone from the room in which the package sits.

    Call 911

    • As soon as you hang up the phone, dial 911 to alert emergency personnel of the situation. If possible, do so from a ground-line phone, because cell phones and other electronic devices might trigger an explosion, recommends Southern Connecticut State University.

    Building Responders

    • Your building’s emergency responders will move quickly to their positions throughout the building and begin searching their designated areas for any suspicious packages. All communication between responders should be via ground-line phones.

    Evacuate

    • At the same time, assistants to the responders will begin alerting the building’s occupants (in a calm manner) that they need to evacuate the building. According to the Fairfax, Virginia Emergency Response Plan, a safe exit route should have been set up, because the building responders will have checked that area first for bombs. Grab your coat, keys, and anything you will need. If you have time, open windows and doors to dispel any blast force that might occur, suggests Southern Connecticut State University. As you leave, quickly check your area for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, suggests the Fairfax, Virginia Emergency Response Plan.

    Outside

    • Obey the emergency responders. They will recommend a safe distance you should keep from the building. Do not go to the parking lot or garage or get into your car, because nearby vehicles may contain bombs as well, suggests Fairfax, Virginia’s Emergency Response Plan.

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