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Department of Homeland Security Offers Bombing Preparedness Resources

March 24, 2018

From U.S. Department of Homeland Security

As result of the recent bombings in Texas, many organizations are reviewing their preparedness plans & procedures for prevention, response and recovery to bombing incidents. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to review their emergency plans and procedures and make sure they are up to date and cover bombing incidents, suspicious packages, and proper mail procedures.  The information below are resources available from the U.S Department of Homeland Security.

How to React Quickly and Safely to Suspicious Packages and Bomb Threats:

Bomb threats are a rare but serious event. How quickly and safely you react can save lives, including your own:

  • DO report suspicious activity, unattended packages, or a potential bomb threat to authorities immediately, follow instructions, and evacuate the area
  • DO provide as much detail as possible to authorities
  • DO seek distance and cover – they are the best means to reduce the risk of injury
  • DO NOT approach or inspect suspicious items or unattended packages
  • DO NOT congregate near the incident scene – it may impede first responders and there could be a risk of secondary attacks

Be Prepared for IEDs and Play a Role in Prevention!

Below are counter-IED resources appropriate for individuals, families, travelers, educational and religious institutions, and businesses, as well as law enforcement, emergency services, or security professionals, which provide insight to help increase preparedness and reduce risks associated with potential bombings.

Bomb Threat Guidance:

Awareness Materials:

Virtual Training:

These web-based courses provide general awareness-level, counter-IED information to a broad audience via an online virtual training experience with a live instructor, using Adobe Connect through the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). These courses are designed for small group instruction of 15 to 25 participants.

A FEMA Student ID (FEMA SID) is required to participate in all VILT OBP course offerings. To obtain a FEMA SID, visit FEMA’s website to apply.

To view the VILT training schedule and register for a course, please visit the VILT website.

Computer-Based Training:

Homemade Explosives and Precursor Chemicals Awareness for Public Safety Computer Based Training  (AWR-349)

This one-hour, awareness-level, computer-based course, available through TRIPwire, educates law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other public safety personnel about homemade explosives—commonly referred to as HME—the precursor chemicals that are used to manufacture HME, and actions to take if HME precursor chemicals or equipment are thought to be present during a routine service call.

Improvised Explosive Device Awareness and Safety Procedures Computer Based Training (AWR-341)

This one-hour, awareness-level, computer-based course, available on TRIPwire, provides foundational knowledge concerning improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and proper safety precautions and procedures for reacting and responding to unattended and suspicious items.

 

If you are a law enforcement, emergency services, or security professional, much more information is available through free registration to the full TRIPwire website. Inside you will find valuable resources and much more detail on IED threats and counter-IED activities.

Find more information on the DHS Office for Bombing Prevention.

For additional information on how to identify suspicious activity, safety and effectively react to bomb threats, or get additional counter-IED awareness, or planning resources, contact your local Protective Security Advisor.

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