Bomb Threat Policy

St. Luke’s Eye Care and Laser Center recognizes that it may receive a notice, by telephone or by written message, that a bomb has been placed in or around the practice.  Actions taken in response to such a threat should be prompt and assure the safety of patients, personnel and visitors to the practice.  While a bomb threat may be a hoax, all such threats should be treated seriously.

If a staff member receives a bomb threat call, the staff member should take the following actions:

• Remain calm
• Ask the caller to repeat the message and attempt to write down as much of the threat word for word as possible
• If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb and the time of possible detonation, as the caller to provide this information
• Listen closely to the caller to determine the sex, accents, or speech impediments.
• Pay particular attention to peculiar background noises, such as motors running, background music and any other noise, which may give a clue as to where the call is being made
• Notify the police department and the office manager relaying the information you obtained

Once it is determined that a bomb threat has been made, the office manager will coordinate evacuation of the office by telling patients and uninvolved employees that there is a “gas leak” that requires immediate evacuation.  During evacuation, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Quietly and calmly announce, “We need to leave the facility.”
• Do not touch anything electrical including turning lights on or off
• Do not take a phone off the hook or replace it
• Do not use radios or cellular telephones
• Do not move anything that looks out of place
• Everyone will meet at the Steele Elementary School play ground, check in with the Safety Coordinator, Sandra Robben-Weber, and remain there until advised otherwise. 
• The Safety Coordinator, Sandra Robben-Weber will account for all personnel and will inform the emergency responders if anyone is missing.

If a suspected bomb devise is found, take note of the location, but do not touch it.  Notify the police regarding the whereabouts of any suspected bomb device.