BOMB THREATS

 

When was the Bomb Unit created?

The Bomb Unit was originally formed in 1995 in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.

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When does the Bomb Unit respond to a call?

The Bomb Unit is notified and responds whenever a suspicious package or suspected explosive device is found in the Justice Center Complex, in the Fulton County Jail or in Unincorporated Fulton County, or when a request for assistance is received from another jurisdiction.

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What should I do if I receive a telephonic bomb threat?

Bomb threats represent a serious and deadly situation that can quickly turn tragic. The destructive potential of even a small device must be seriously considered. Any citizen who receives a bomb threat over the phone should immediately evacuate the location and call 911 to notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used, because cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.

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What should I say to a caller when he warns of a bomb at my location?

When a bomb threat is called in to you, attempt to keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask him to repeat the message and be sure to record every word spoken. If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, you should ask him for this information. It is a good idea to inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to innocent people. As you attempt to keep the caller on the line, listen for any particular background noises such as motors running, background music, and other noise, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller. As you are gathering information about the caller write down as much information as possible (Click here to download a bomb threat checklist). When the police arrive at your location, be prepared to give an accurate description of the caller's voice. As the caller speaks, listen closely to the voice quality, for any regional accents, and for any speech impediments the caller might possess.

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What should I do if I find a suspicious item that might be a "bomb"?

If any suspicious object is located, THE DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. Immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used as cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.

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What should I do if I receive a suspicious package in the mail?

Explosive devices can be contained in almost anything. Bombs can be constructed to look like almost any item and can be delivered in any number of ways. Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design only by the imagination of their maker. Letter and package bombs are not new. While the latest incidents have involved political terrorism, such bombs are made for a wide variety of motives. The particular form of these bombs varies in size, shape, and components. They have electric, non-electric, or other sophisticated firing systems.

There are different signs that a person can look for which might indicate a possible explosive device.

  • Foreign mail, airmail and special delivery
  • Restrictive markings such as confidential, personal, etc.
  • Excessive postage
  • Hand written or poorly typed addresses
  • Incorrect titles
  • Titles but no names
  • Misspellings of common words
  • Oily stains or discoloration
  • No return address
  • Excessive weight
  • Rigid envelope
  • Lopsided or uneven envelope
  • Protruding wires or tinfoil
  • Excessive securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.
  • Visual distractions

Bombs can be detonated by a variety of methods including the slightest touch. Therefore, if any suspicious object is located, THE DEVICE SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED OR DISTURBED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Immediately evacuate the location and notify the police from a neighbor’s house or a business. Only conventional telephones should be used as cellular telephone transmissions have the potential to detonate a bomb.

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Are fireworks considered explosive devices?

Fireworks are considered explosive devices, and they are extremely dangerous. Every year numerous children and adults are injured or burned as a result of playing with fireworks. Fireworks are dangerous and illegal within the State of Georgia.

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