On Bomb Threats and Evacuations

Obviously this week's bomb threat and evacuation got some people talking, and hopefully more than a few thinking.

I wondered of all the threats how many actually involve a device or an explosion. I came across an excellent article that would be well worth parents, police, and school officials having a look at. It was written by Michael Dorn, Executive Director, Safe Havens International, an organization dedicated to the enhancement of safety and learning in our schools. The report is aptly titled, "Bomb Threat Basics" (read it here).

The nine-page report indicates that these must be taken seriously despite a relatively low occurrence of actual devices, less than a dozen per year nationwide, grades k-12. Often the devices found are ineffective and weak, however it is noted each threat is serious given the considerable ease of making a lethal device even by a teen of average intelligence.

The report then outlines fifteen steps schools can take to "decrease the threat level and to reduce the number of bomb threats received."

One specifically speaks to the use of cell phones (this is only the first few sentences - it does continue):

Control the use of portable telephones on campus. While the dangers of bombs being detonated have often been exaggerated, there are certain unusual instances where portable electronic devices can be designed to detonate from signals emitting from cellular phones, digital phones and portable school and public safety radios. The much more regular problems stem from students calling in bomb threats from portable phones and students calling parents and the media during bomb threats.

What I found interesting is that students stopped talking on the phones (as I was told they were being confiscated) and instead text messaged parents to alert them. Maybe they didn't get caught but whether talking or texting, the result was the same - a signal was transmitted and parents and possibly media were informed.

Any time events like these take place flaws are exposed. What is important that review is conducted and processes are improved. The report notes that the ATF has free training available. Having an expert consult on current plans and make recommendations would be a good step to take.

Let's hope this is turned into a positive learning experience and that next steps are identified by the NASD and communicated to students, parents, and the community.