(2) Evacuation.
Moving a large number of people under emergency
conditions is dangerous unless absolute control is maintained.
So
particular attention should be given to planning evacuation procedures. At
first thought, immediate and total evacuation would seem to be the best
response to any bomb threat; however, there are significant economic and
safety factors that may weigh against the evacuation. Even where evacuation
is possible and wanted, the process may not be as simple as it might appear.
(3) Search.
(a) Who searches?
Except in the rarest cases, EOD and MPs will
NOT be used to search for reported explosive devices in barracks, community
areas, buildings, and offices.
Rather, such searches will be done by
designated persons familiar with the area and its contents. If an unusual
item is found, EOD is to neutralize and evacuate the device for disposal.
MPs are to be used around the threatened area to control traffic, and they
are used to provide other regulatory services.
(The preceding is a
paraphrase of a current TRADOC letter which is still in effect.) Therefore,
in the Army, the occupants of the building will perform the search along
with designated search teams.
(b) What will be searched?
Occupants will search their own work
area and rooms.
In addition to this, search teams should be assigned to
search public areas, restrooms, and closets.
Keys should be available to
searchers so that every area can be reached.
A complete search must be
made, since one or more bombs could exist.
(c) When do you stop the search? Do so after the entire facility
has been searched.
Remember that the discovery of one device should not
necessarily cause the search to be stopped; there could be more than one
bomb.
(4) Actions Required When a Bomb or Suspected Bomb is Found.
(a) Any suspected incendiary device or bomb should not be touched
or handled in any way by the search unit.
The person in charge should
contacts MPs.
They will then notify the nearest military EOD Detachment.
People have been disfigured and killed by trying to handle bombs for which
they are not equipped or trained to do.
(b) EOD personnel will attempt "render safe" procedures.
(c) In case of an actual bombing, all persons are warned not to
move the debris. It will be searched by government authorities for clues,
and all foreign evidence will be removed for scientific analysis.
(5) Disposal.
How will suspected bombs be processed?
When a
searcher finds a bomb, he should not touch the device.
He should
immediately clear the area and notify the emergency operations center. The
EOC will then notify EOD to deactivate and remove the bomb.
EOD will
probably not respond to a bomb threat until a bomb or suspected bomb has
actually been found.
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