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BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES

The purpose of this procedure is to establish a guideline to be followed in the event of a bomb threat at Inter-Lakes Health, Inc. Normally a bomb threat is received through a Switchboard Operator. With this in mind the following procedures shall apply.

6.1.1 SWITCHBOARD ATTENDANT ON DUTY:

DO NOT SOUND THE FIRE ALARM OR OTHERWISE ALARM PATIENTS!

Act as casually as possible and attempt to have a reasonable explanation for the actions that are being performed.

A.Immediately upon receiving any bomb threat via telephone, the exact time the threat was received, actions taken by the Switchboard Attendant and all notifications to personnel shall be logged and timed until the Switchboard Attendant is notified that the situation is clear and all departments have returned back to normal.

B.The Switchboard Attendant should use the “Bomb Threat Report Form” available at the switchboard, and pay particular attention to the exact words used by the caller. Any voice characteristics such as male/female, young or old sounding, a lisp, accent, etc. that might assist in identifying the person should be noted. Special attention should be given to background noises from the caller such as, music, vehicular traffic, etc. which may also assist in identifying where the call is coming from. The report form should be filled out as soon as possible.

C.Inform the Administrator on-call by telephone. DO NOT USE RADIO!! The Administrator will make all decisions regarding searches, key personnel notifications, outside agency notifications, possible command post locations, and other pertinent decisions pertaining to the bomb threat incident.

D.Notify the Ticonderoga Police Department, by telephone at 873-2116. Make them aware that a bomb threat was received, and request the State Police.

E.Inform the engineer on Duty, by telephone. DO NOT USE RADIO!!

F.Inform the Nursing Supervisor.

6.2.1 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:

A.Notify the Fire Department and Ambulance.

B.Request bomb sniffing dog from the State Police.

C.Notify Department Heads if operations are to be terminated.

D.Man the EOC if possible (Education Room).

E.Coordinate search information with Law enforcement.

F.Other pertinent decisions.

6.2.2 SEARCH:

A.A systematic search of the Facility, beginning with patient areas, will begin immediately by Watchman and Key Personnel on duty. Areas inspected will be tagged with labels on the doorframe to prevent duplication of effort.

B.The search will consist of a visual inspection for suspicious packages, suitcases, boxes, etc. The search will be conducted without excessive force. If a suspicious item is found, the Administrator or designee will be notified immediately. The item should not be removed or tampered with. Area should be evacuated of residents, patients or personal to a safe location.

C.If it is determined that a bomb is in the hospital, the Administrator or designee is to advise the State Police of the location of the bomb, and institute the evacuation procedure, as follows.

1.Evacuate patients and personnel.

2.Switchboard is to notify the Fire Department and Ambulance.

3.Open all doors within the suspected area to allow the force of the explosion to be dissipated throughout the concerned area.

DO NOT SOUND THE FIRE ALARM OR OTHERWISE ALARM THE PATIENTS!

Act as casually as possible and attempt to have a reasonable explanation for the actions that are being performed.

6.2.3 REQUIRED POST-INCIDENT PROCEDURES:

A.Notification to New York State Department of Health within 24 hours.

B.Initial summary conference within 7 days.

C.Respond to New York State Department of Health with the proper reporting form within 5 day's.

Click Here for Printable BOMB THREAT REPORT FORM

US Patent Numbers 7,720,998 B2, 7,836,207