Bomb Threat Safety Guide – What to Do When a Threat Happens

If you hear a bomb threat, your first reaction might be panic. The good news is that clear, simple actions can keep you safe and help authorities handle the situation. Below are the basics you need to know, whether you’re at home, work, or out in a public place.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

Take a breath. A calm mind lets you think clearly and follow the steps that keep you out of danger. Listen carefully to the warning. Is it a phone call, a text, or an announcement over a speaker system? Note any details the caller gives – a time, a location, or a description of a device. Even if the threat sounds vague, write down everything you remember.

Don’t try to investigate the source yourself. Moving toward a suspected device puts you at risk. Your job is to alert the right people and get out of the area as quickly as possible.

Report the Threat Immediately

Call emergency services (999 or 112 in the UK) as soon as you can. Give the operator the exact words you heard, the time of the call, and any location clues. If you’re in a building with a dedicated security desk or a bomb threat hotline, use that line too. The quicker the report, the faster professionals can secure the site.

When you call, keep your voice steady. Mention any suspicious packages, strange noises, or unusual behavior you observed. Even small details can help investigators narrow down a possible threat.

Evacuate Safely and Quickly

Follow the evacuation plan for your location. If there’s a posted route, use it. If you’re in a workplace, look for exit signs and assembly points. Walk, don’t run – running can cause trips and injuries, and you might miss important instructions.

Leave personal belongings behind. Your safety matters more than a phone or wallet. If you have a child, elderly person, or someone with a disability with you, assist them without slowing the flow of people.

Close doors behind you as you leave. This can help contain a potential explosion and buys responders time.

What Not to Do

Never touch, move, or try to open a suspicious package. Even an innocuous-looking bag could be a trigger. Also, avoid using elevators – they can become traps if a device is inside the shaft.

Don’t spread rumors or speculate on social media. False information can cause panic and hinder the emergency response.

After the Evacuation

Once you’re at the safe assembly point, stay there until officials give the all‑clear. Listen for updates over a public address system or from a designated spokesperson. If you’re a media contact, follow the organization’s protocol for speaking to reporters.

If you feel shaken, it’s normal. Talk to a colleague, friend, or counselor about what happened. Many workplaces offer post‑incident support – take advantage of it.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Know your environment. Familiarize yourself with emergency exits, fire alarms, and any bomb‑threat procedures your building has posted. Keep a small emergency kit at work – a bottle of water, a basic first‑aid kit, and a flashlight can be handy.

Practice drills if your organization runs them. Repetition builds muscle memory, so you’ll react quickly when it really counts.

Finally, stay informed about local security alerts. Some cities have apps that push emergency notifications directly to your phone. Signing up can give you a heads‑up before a threat even reaches you.

Bomb threats are serious, but with the right knowledge you can protect yourself and others. Remember the three S’s: Stay calm, Report immediately, and Safely evacuate. Keep these steps in mind, and you’ll be ready if the unexpected ever occurs.