If you receive a bomb threat by phone, which protocol should you follow?

If you receive a bomb threat by phone, which protocol should you follow?

• A. Hanging up immediately
• B. Using a checklist while talking; keeping the caller on the line, if appropriate; and using the telephone tracer feature on the phone.
• C. Recording the call without notifying anyone
• D. Disabling the phone line

Answer: (B)

Handling a bomb threat by phone relies on keeping people safe while gathering the information responders need. Using a checklist while on the call helps you systematically obtain essential details such as the location, description of the suspected device, number of devices if more than one, time, what the caller wants, and any threats made. This structured approach ensures no critical information is missed under pressure. Keeping the caller on the line, if it’s safe to do so, can buy time and provide real-time details that improve assessment and response. It also gives responders a chance to observe the situation more quickly and make informed decisions about evacuation, containment, or lockdown. If the phone has a tracer feature, activating it can help identify the caller’s location or line, aiding investigators and quick coordination with law enforcement. This tool should be used as part of the established protocol and only when appropriate within your facility’s procedures. After or during the call, notify the appropriate supervisors and law enforcement and follow the facility’s emergency SOP, including any evacuation or lockdown actions, to ensure a coordinated response. Hanging up immediately ends the chance to gather information and coordinate response. Recording the call without notifying someone may violate policy and could alert the caller. Disabling the line prevents any communication or traceability, directly hindering the emergency response.

Handling a bomb threat by phone relies on keeping people safe while gathering the information responders need. Using a checklist while on the call helps you systematically obtain essential details such as the location, description of the suspected device, number of devices if more than one, time, what the caller wants, and any threats made. This structured approach ensures no critical information is missed under pressure.

Keeping the caller on the line, if it’s safe to do so, can buy time and provide real-time details that improve assessment and response. It also gives responders a chance to observe the situation more quickly and make informed decisions about evacuation, containment, or lockdown.

If the phone has a tracer feature, activating it can help identify the caller’s location or line, aiding investigators and quick coordination with law enforcement. This tool should be used as part of the established protocol and only when appropriate within your facility’s procedures.

After or during the call, notify the appropriate supervisors and law enforcement and follow the facility’s emergency SOP, including any evacuation or lockdown actions, to ensure a coordinated response.

Hanging up immediately ends the chance to gather information and coordinate response. Recording the call without notifying someone may violate policy and could alert the caller. Disabling the line prevents any communication or traceability, directly hindering the emergency response.