Bomb Threats

All bomb threats are considered valid until proven otherwise.

If you receive a bomb threat
Most bomb threats are made directly by telephone. If you receive a bomb threat, follow these procedures:
1. Listen to what the caller is saying
2. Be calm and courteous
3. Do not interrupt the caller or hang up
4. Obtain as much information as you can. Suggested questions are listed below.
5. Do not put caller on hold.
6. If possible, signal a co-worker to dial "705-748-1333" (Peterborough), 905-435-5111 (Oshawa) or dial it yourself when the call is finished
7. If you have call display, record the number

Ask these questions:
1. When will it explode? _________ a.m. - p.m.
2. Where is it? Classroom, office, hallway, stairwell, garbage pail, other
3. What does it look like?
4. Where are you calling from? (Check your call display if you have one.)
5. What is your name?
6. Why did you place the bomb?
Record this data:
Date: __________________ Time: __________ am/pm

Exact wording of threat:
Characteristics of Caller: (circle most appropriate responses)
Sex: M / F
Estimated Age:
Accent: English / French / Asian / Middle-Eastern / European/African/Australian// Other (describe)
Diction: Deliberate / Rushed / Clipped / Slurred Lisp / Nasal / Other
Manner: Calm / Emotional / Threatening / Vulgar

Other identifying information:
Background Noise: Traffic Horns / Children's Voices / Television / Animals / Other
Was caller familiar with area? Yes No
Who took the call:
From what department:

In the event of a bomb threat:

DO NOT USE RADIO, CELLULAR PHONE, DIGITAL PHONE, OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES. THESE DEVICES HAVE THE CAPACITY TO DETONATE AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE. IN ADDITION, DO NOT TURN THE LIGHTS ON OR OFF BUT HAVE THEM REMAIN IN THEIR CURRENT POSITION.

If you receive a bomb threat:

Trent operator or other front desk employee: call Campus Security at 705-748-1333

Campus Security will make an immediate initial decision:

a) Call the Director, Risk Management or the Security Manager for instructions; or

b) Evacuate the threatened facility immediately.

Immediate Evacuation

Security will make an ECS announcement in the threatened facility, call 911, then attend the area, in that order.

Instructors and Supervisors:

Remain calm and assume leadership
Tell everyone to turn off their mobile devices
Tell everyone in the room or work area to take their personal belongings with them
Perform a quick visual scan of the routes used to evacuate. Look for suspicious objects (eg. unattended bags or cases, items that do not belong) and trip wires. DO NOT APPROACH OR TOUCH ANY SUSPICIOUS OBJECTS. SELECT ANOTHER EVACUATION ROUTE IF YOU DETECT A TRIP WIRE.
Report any suspicious items or activity to Campus Security via landline at ext. 1333 or in person
Evacuate to a ground level location at least 100 metres away from buildings, cars, dumpsters etc. and remain there until an "ALL CLEAR" announcement is given via the Emergency Communications System or by Police or Security
Ask students to remain at the evacuation location and await further instructions from Security or Police

Security will not enter the facility. They will wait at a safe distance from the closest or main entrance (about 100m) and direct evacuees to safety using a megaphone. Security will have the vehicle roof lights on and will provide directions and assistance to Police when they arrive. Police will likely assume command. During working hours, other RMD or PRD staff may be asked to assist with crowd control. The Director, Risk Management or Security Manager will advise the VP Administration and convene the EOCG if necessary.

Search Procedures

If the threat is not imminent, Security will coordinate a search of the facility(ies) identified by the caller.

Search teams should be comprised of two people whenever possible. Trent employees will be asked to assist in searching areas familiar to them. Entrances and hallways should be cleared prior to evacuation. Rooms should be searched as follows:

1) Stand quietly in center of room and listen for unusual noises. If there are two searchers go to opposite sides of the room.

2) FIRST SEARCH: Divide room into two levels. First visually search floor and all areas up to window sill height ie. About one metre from floor.

3) SECOND SEARCH: Visually search areas from one metre to top of head. Move in circular motion around room to starting point.

4) THIRD SEARCH: Visually search top of head to ceiling.

5) FOURTH SEARCH: Visually search ceiling, structural supports, window AC units, and light fixtures.

At the completion of a room search where no suspicious item is found, the person who searched the room will place a sheet of paper on the exterior of the door or on the outside doorknob marked with a half "X". When Police complete their search of the same room they will complete the "X" thus marking that the room in question was searched and is clear.

IF A SUSPICIOUS ITEM IS FOUND:

1. DO NOT APPROACH, MOVE, OR TOUCH ANY SUSPICIOUS ITEM.

2. Report the exact location and an accurate description of the object to Police or Campus Security. At this point the incident becomes a police matter and control of the scene transfers to them.

3. Identify the danger area and immediately evacuate the building. Be sure you move to a ground level area at least 100 metres from the building.

4. Do not re-enter the building or turn on radios and cell phones until Police informs you that it is safe to do so. Security will send an ECS “All Clear” announcement.