Security Plans

Physical security provides for the protection of property, personnel, facilities, and material against unauthorized entry, trespass, damage, sabotage, or other illegal or criminal acts. The physical security plan deals with prevention and control of access to the building. In most instances, some form of physical security may be already in existence, although not necessarily intended to prevent a bomb attack.

Bomb Incident Plan

The bomb incident plan provides detailed procedures to be implemented when a bombing attack is executed or threatened.

In planning for the bomb incident, a defined chain of command must be established. Only by using an established organizational structure and procedures can the bomb incident be handled with the least risk to all concerned.

A clearly defined line of authority will instill confidence and minimize panic. It's easy to establish a chain of command if there is a simple office structure, one business, one building. However, if a complex situation exists, a multi-occupant building for example, a representative from each occupant entity should attend the planning conference. A leader should be appointed and a clear line of succession delineated. This chain of command should be printed and circulated to all concerned parties.

In planning, you should designate a command center, preferably centrally located, with communications capabilities. The management personnel assigned to operate the center should have the authority to decide whatever action should be taken during the threat.

Only those with assigned duties should be permitted in the center. Make some provision for alternates in the event someone is absent when a threat is received.

Obtain an updated blueprint or floor plan of your building and maintain it in the command center. Contact the police department, fire department, or local government agencies to determine if any assistance is available to you for developing your physical security plan or bomb incident plan. If possible, have police and/or fire department representatives and members of your employees inspect the building for areas where explosives are likely to be concealed. (Make a checklist of these areas for inclusion in command center plans.)

Check with your local law enforcement authority whether a bomb disposal unit is available, how to contact the unit, and under what conditions it is activated.

In developing your bomb incident plan, you must also ascertain whether the bomb disposal unit, in addition to disarming and removing the explosives, will assist in searching the building in the event of a threat.

Training is essential to deal properly with a bomb threat incident. Everyone in your organization should know what to do if a bomb threat is received. Be absolutely certain that all personnel assigned to the command center are aware of their duties.

What's gained in the planning process can be lost if a clear leadership and command structure is not apparent. It is also very important to organize and train an evacuation unit which will be responsive to the command center and has a clear understanding of the importance of its role.

Well-defined lines of communication must be established between the command center and the search or evacuation teams. The center must have the flexibility to keep up with the search team progress. In a large facility, if the teams go beyond the communications network, the command center must have the mobility to maintain contact and track eventual search or evacuation efforts.