Bomb threat procedure.

Version 1.1 Sept 2006

While most bomb threats received by telephone turn out to be hoaxes, they must be taken seriously. The following procedure will assist you if a bomb threat is received by telephone. Also refer to the University Action Sheet for phone threats http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ehsm/Phone_Threat.pdf

Recording the Call
If a bomb threat call is received, it is important that the person receiving the call try to remain calm and does not hang up even if the caller hangs up. This 'open' line may assist in tracing the origin of the call.
The more information you obtain from the caller, the better the threat can be assessed. Keep talking to the caller for as long as possible. Examples of questions to ask are: Where is the bomb? When will it go off? What does it look like? What is your name? Also try to pick up hints such as an accent or background noise.

Reporting the Call
Immediately report the call using another telephone to the University Security Officer on 8344 6666 and the bomb threat to the area supervisor.
The University Security Officer, police or fire brigade will advise whether a building evacuation is necessary. However, if there is any difficulty contacting the Security Officer, or the bomb threat caller indicated that the bomb will go off in the immediate future, the affected area (or building) should be evacuated using the normal building evacuation procedures.

Unidentified Packages.
If what appears to be a bomb is found e.g. an unidentified package then:
• under no circumstances should it be touched;
• clear the immediate area;
• report the incident to the area supervisor;
• ensure that the University Security Officers are alerted on extn. 46666.