Policy Statement

The aim of this policy is to provide immediate direction to an employee who may receive a bomb threat or observe suspicious behaviour which may be related to a bomb or similar threat. 

• It is essential to remain calm and not alarm other employees and children.

• Do not use a mobile-phone, two-way radio or other electronic devices that may trigger the device

Relevant Legislation and Standards

• Education and Care Services National Law or Regulations: R.168 and 97.
• NQS QA 2: Element 2.1.2 and 2.2.2 Health practices and procedures.

General Safety Warnings

• Do not use a mobile phone, two-way radio, or other electronic devices that may trigger the device.
• Do not hang up the phone if a threat is received.

Procedure 1: Bomb Threat Received by Phone

In the case of a bomb threat received by telephone, it is vital that you collect as much information as possible.

Step 1: Receiving the Call

• If a direct or indirect threat or warning is received by phone, check the caller identification number and record the number.
• DO NOT HANG UP. Stay on the line for as long as possible and try to gain as much information as possible.
• Try to keep the person calm and talking.
• Do not say anything that may encourage irrational behaviour.

Step 2: Alerting Management

• Alert the Nominated Supervisor or Responsible Person to call emergency services on another phone (e.g., a mobile phone used by another staff member) without alerting the caller.
  Ensure your phone line remains open while the police are alerted.

Step 3: Completing the Bomb Threat Checklist

Refer to the Bomb Threat Checklist questions below. Ask each question and write the exact response.
Data to Record:

• Name of person taking the call.
• Date of call, call start time, and call end time.
• Caller ID displayed on phone.

Questions to Ask the Caller:

1. Where is the bomb? 
2. When is the bomb going to explode? 
3. What will make the bomb explode? 
4. What kind of bomb is it? 
5. When did you put the bomb there? 
6. Did you put it there, or someone else? 
7. Why was the bomb placed here? 
8. What is your name? 
9. Where do you live/what is your address? 
10. Where are you now? 

Things to Listen For:

• The Caller’s Voice: Male or female? Estimated age? 
• Speech details: Accent, speech impediments, speed (fast/slow), pitch (high/low), volume (loud/soft), clarity (clear/muffled).
• Emotion: Is the voice calm, agitated, threatening, irrational, or emotional? 
• Familiarity: Does the caller appear to be familiar with the area or The Akidamy? 
• Recognition: Do you recognise the voice? If so, whom do you think it is? 
• Background Sounds: Household sounds, street sounds, water sounds (beach/creek), traffic, aircraft, trains, music, people talking, machinery, or others.

Step 4: After the Call

• At the end of the call, DO NOT HANG UP.
• It is sometimes possible for telephone companies to trace the call even after the caller has hung up.

Step 5: Emergency Instructions

• The Nominated Supervisor/Responsible Person is to follow emergency services instructions.
• Do not evacuate The Akidamy unless instructed to do so.
• If advised by emergency services, implement The Akidamy's Lockdown Procedure or Emergency Evacuation Procedure.

Step 6: Evacuation Protocols (If Instructed)

• If instructed to evacuate, educators must check the immediate area for packages, bags, or suspicious items that appear not to belong.
• Do not attempt to inspect a suspicious item.
• If a suspicious object is found, clear everyone away from the immediate area.
• Ensure doors and windows are left open.
• Do not leave the evacuation assembly area until instructed by emergency services.

Procedure 2:  Suspicious Letter, Item, or Package

Step 1: Identification

• If an educator identifies a suspicious letter, item, or package at The Akidamy, avoid handling the item and REMAIN CALM.

Step 2: Immediate Safety Measures

• Do not approach, touch, tilt, or tamper with the package.
• Educators are to move children away from the area.
• Implement the Emergency Evacuation Procedure if advised by emergency services.

Step 3: Notification

• The Nominated Supervisor/Responsible Person must notify emergency services immediately and follow all authorised instructions.

Step 4: Accounting for People

• Check that all children, staff, and visitors are accounted for using attendance records.

Procedure 3: Electronic Threats (Email or Text)

Step 1: Preservation

• If a bomb threat is received electronically (by email or text), DO NOT DELETE THE MESSAGE.

Step 2: Response

• Alert emergency services immediately.
• Follow the relevant steps outlined in "Procedure 2: Suspicious Letter, Item, or Package" above.