Which action is recommended when a bomb threat is received over the telephone?

• A. Stay calm, note time and date
• B. Evacuate immediately without notifying anyone
• C. Stay calm, note time and date, write down phone number, alert another employee covertly, provide general when and where, and obtain caller information
• D. Hang up immediately and forget details

Answer: (C)

When a bomb threat comes in by phone, the priority is to preserve life while gathering information that responders can use. The best approach combines staying calm with collecting essential details and initiating a discreet, coordinated escalation. Keeping composure helps you think clearly and document accurately what you hear. Note the exact time and date of the call, and, if possible, write down the caller’s phone number. Alert another trusted employee covertly so security or management can mobilize without tipping off the caller or causing panic. Provide general information about when and where the threat refers to, and try to obtain useful caller details such as voice characteristics, language, accent, background noises, and any specific threats or instructions given. This information helps authorities assess the credibility of the threat and plan an appropriate response. Following these steps also avoids premature actions; hanging up and forgetting details loses critical evidence, and evacuating or reacting without direction can create chaos and hinder an organized response. After the call, you should follow the organization’s bomb-threat protocol, including contacting authorities and evacuating only when instructed.