Tips on Bomb Threat Response from a Security Expert

A bomb threat in business, university or school is something no one really wants to think about – but managed security services know that it’s essential to have bomb response protocols in place if a threat this serious arises. Here’s some important security advice from an experienced security expert.

• Customize plans for your location and risks: Security experts recommend that you develop a customized security plan rather than applying a generic one, as this is unlikely to recognize the specific threats and vulnerabilities that your organization faces. For example, a university will face very different security threats than a marathon or a research laboratory. Developing these protocols should involve security advice and a comprehensive audit by your managed security services partner, including an evaluation of man-made barriers, neighboring entities, current security systems and more.
• Scenario-based training: Once you have developed your protocols with the help of a security expert, it’s important to do regular training based on a variety of scenarios based on their likeliness of occurring. There’s no guarantee that your entire team will be available in the event of a security issue, so training should also consider what should happen if certain staff members are unavailable. Your managed security services partner should play an active role in these scenarios, assisting with training and security advice.
• Keep your team informed: Your team should meet at regular intervals with your managed security services partner to ensure that each person is kept up-to-date on protocols and new threats. They should all know what to do in the event that they receive a suspicious package, how to identify credible threats, and who to contact.
• Keep plans and protocols confidential: Outside of your selected team and the security expert you work with, your security and response protocols should be kept confidential. If these are available publicly or throughout your organization, it can equip a potential aggressor with the information they need to make their threat or attack more effectively.
• Build relationships with useful partners: Good fences make good neighbors and, in the event of an emergency, it’s important to have mutual support in place from neighboring organizations, law enforcement, and emergency response teams. This may mean making neighbors aware of potential threats to your organization (they can act to make you aware of any suspicious activity) or having a plan in place where you can evacuate to a safe location on their property.

If you would like to create a comprehensive strategy for addressing bomb threats and similar security threats to your organization, it’s important to get security advice from an experienced security expert who can deliver customized, industry-leading managed security services.