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Threats
Telephone Bomb Threats

Telephone bomb threats normally fall into two categories; threats that actual devices have been planted, where the aim of the call is to save life, blame inaction on others if there are casualties, or attempt to maximise casualties; or threats where no device has been planted (hoax) designed to disrupt. 
 
Although most threats are malicious hoaxes, making such calls is a crime and they should always be reported to the police.  You will not normally be able to assess whether a call is genuine, except perhaps where a large number of calls are received and a designated incident co-ordinator can develop some expertise to reduce the disruption caused by hoax callers.  In any case all calls must be treated seriously and dealt with immediately.
 
Emergency invacuation/evacuation procedures must take account of the possibility of secondary explosions designed to kill or maim large numbers of people being evacuated.
 
If you operate a 24-hour switchboard, house a news operation, or help line, you should consider special training for staff. Of course anyone can receive a threat call:
  • Keep calm;
  • Try and obtain as much information as possible - where, when, who, why;
  • Dial 1471 if this operates;
  • Report it immediately to the local BBC security/incident co-ordinator and police;
  • Non BBC targets phone 999 immediately.
 
See the checklist of telephone bomb threat measures.
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