Bomb Threat Management
How to React Quickly and Safely to Suspicious Packages and Bomb Threats
Bomb threats are a rare but serious event. How quickly and safely you react can save lives, including your own:
- DO report suspicious activity, unattended packages, or a potential bomb threat to authorities immediately, follow instructions, and evacuate the area
- DO provide as much detail as possible to authorities
- DO seek distance and cover – they are the best means to reduce the risk of injury
- DO NOT approach or inspect suspicious items or unattended packages
- DO NOT congregate near the incident scene – it may impede first responders and there could be a risk of secondary attack
Be Prepared for IEDs and Play a Role in Prevention
Below are counter-IED resources appropriate for individuals, families, travelers, educational and religious institutions, and businesses, as well as law enforcement, emergency services, or security professionals, which provide insight to help increase preparedness and reduce risks associated with potential bombins.
Bomb Threat Guidance:
- Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) Video
- Bomb Threat Checklist
- Bomb Threat Standoff Card
- Bomb Threat Management Guidance Quad-fold
- Bomb Threat Management Video
- Bombing Prevention Lanyard Cards (Lined Version)
- Bombing Prevention Landyard Cards (Unlined Version)
Awareness Materials:
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Ammonium Nitrate- & Urea-Based Fertilizers Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Hazardous Chemicals Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Hazardous Chemicals Card
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Peroxide Products Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Peroxide Products Card
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Suspicious Purchasing Behavior Awareness Poster
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Suspicious Purchasing Behavior Awarness Card
- FBI-DHS Private Sector Advisory - Retail and Shopping Center Advisory
- Mail and Suspicious Package Guidance Poster
Suspicious Activity Reporting
Prompt and Detailed Reporting of Suspicious Activities can help Prevent IED Incidents
If you see suspicious activity, please report it to your local police department. Local law enforcement officers can respond quickly. Once they assess the situation, they can obtain additional support. When reporting suspicious activity, it is helpful to give the most accurate description possible, including:
- Brief description of the activity
- Date, time and location of the activity
- Physical identifiers of anyone you observed
- Descriptions of vehicles
- Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone
- Your name and contact information (optional)
If you are a law enforcement, emergency services, or security professional, much more information is available through free registration to the full TRIPwire website. Inside you will find valuable resources and much more detail on IED threats and counter-IED activities.
For additional information on how to identify suspicious activity, safety and effectively react to bomb threats, or get additional counter-IED awareness, or planning resources, contact the Office for Bombing Prevention at OBP@dhs.gov (link sends e-mail).
Resources: