Lesson 1: How threats arrive
A bomb threat is any message that says an explosive has been or will be placed. Threats can arrive in many ways:
- A phone call to the front desk or security office.
- An email, text message or social media post.
- A handwritten note or letter.
- A person who makes the threat face to face.
- A suspicious package or object left on site.
Treat every threat as real until police say otherwise. Do not try to judge whether it is a hoax. Making a threat to kill, injure or damage property is an offence under section 264.1 of the Criminal Code, so police need to be told every time.
Your employer should have a bomb threat plan made with local police. It names who makes decisions, how people are warned and where they go. Learn your site's plan and its call checklist before you need it.
Lesson 2: Taking a threatening phone call
Most bomb threats come by phone. The person who answers is the best source of information police will have.
- Stay calm and be polite. Do not hang up.
- Keep the caller talking as long as you can.
- Signal a coworker or pass a note so they can listen in and call 911.
- Write down the caller's exact words.
- Ask the key questions on your checklist.
- Note the phone number, the time and how long the call lasted.
- When the call ends, call 911 if no one has yet, and follow building procedures.
Questions to ask
The RCMP's telephone checklist suggests asking: When will it go off? Where is it? What does it look like? Where are you calling from? Why was it placed? What is your name?
What to listen for
| Detail | Examples to note |
|---|---|
| Voice | Loud or soft, high or deep, disguised or muffled |
| Speech | Fast or slow, accent, lisp, calm or emotional |
| Background | Traffic, music, machinery, voices, announcements |
| Knowledge | Did the caller seem to know the building or area? Did the voice sound familiar? |
Lesson 3: Written, email and in-person threats
Email or social media
Do not reply and do not delete the message. Leave it open on the screen. Take a screenshot that shows the subject line, date and time. Call 911 and building management. If the message names a location, your site plan may ask security to check that area for anything out of place.
Note or letter
Touch it as little as possible and leave it where it was found. Call 911. Write down how and when it was found and the names of any witnesses.
In person
Stay calm and do not act aggressively. Note the exact words, the time and place, and the names of witnesses. Describe the person: clothing, height, build, hair, eye colour, voice and any features that stand out. Note the direction they went and how they left. Once they are gone, call 911.
Lesson 4: Suspicious mail and packages
Know what mail and deliveries your site normally gets. Anything unusual deserves a second look.
Warning signs
- No return address, or one you do not recognize.
- A strange smell or sound, or wires sticking out.
- Far too much postage.
- Misspelled words or a name that is wrong for the person.
- Addressed only to a job title, such as "Manager".
- Markings like "Do not X-ray" or "Personal".
- Heavy wrapping, tape or string.
- Oil stains, leaks or powder on the wrapping.
What to do
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Stay calm and leave the item where it is | Touch, move, open, shake or sniff it |
| Warn people and move them away | Put it in water or a drawer or cabinet |
| Close the door behind you if you can | Use a radio or cell phone close to it |
| Call 911 from a safe distance and tell your supervisor | Let anyone go back to look at it |
If you suspect a delivered package may contain a bomb, you can refuse to accept it.
Lesson 5: Evacuation and working with police
The site plan says who decides to evacuate. If a suspected bomb is found on the premises, people are moved away from the area immediately.
A general evacuation flow: alert, help people out, gather at the assembly point and report.
- The alarm or announcement is made
- Help people who need assistance
- Leave by the nearest safe exit
- Go to the assembly (muster) point
- Count everyone and report to the person in charge and police
- Go to the muster point and wait for instructions.
- If possible, leave doors and windows open as you go.
- Stay away from windows and other dangerous spots after you leave.
- Keep sidewalks and streets clear for emergency crews.
- Stop people from going back inside.
When police arrive
Give them your notes and the checklist, describe any suspicious item and where it is, and share floor plans and keys if asked. Answer questions clearly and stay available.
If there is an explosion
Leave as quickly and calmly as you can. If things are falling, get under a sturdy table or desk until it is safe to move. Make sure you are safe before you try to help others.
If you are asked to help check an area
Some site plans ask staff who know an area well to look for anything out of place, because they can spot what does not belong. Only do this if your plan and the person in charge tell you to. Look, do not touch. If you see something unusual, move away, warn others and report its exact location from a safe distance.
Sources
- Government of Canada: Bomb threats (Get Prepared)
- CCOHS: Bomb Threat
- National Defence: Managing suspicious mail (2024)
- RCMP bomb threat telephone checklist (reproduced by the Alberta Museums Association)
- Criminal Code, section 264.1 (uttering threats)
- US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: Bomb Threat Checklist