An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a bomb threat checklist is
A bomb threat checklist is a prompt sheet kept where threats might be received, helping the recipient capture what was said, the caller’s details and other clues, and then follow the agreed procedure for alerting management and the authorities.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example of what such a checklist usually contains. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — any actual threat should be handled under your own procedure and with the authorities.
Purpose
- Prompt the recipient to stay calm and note key details.
- Capture exactly what was said and any clues about the caller.
- Remind the recipient of the agreed next steps.
- Provide a record to pass to management and the authorities.
Who completes it
- The person who receives the threat, in the moment.
- Passed immediately to management following the procedure.
- The employer decides the procedure and who is briefed.
- The authorities lead the response to an actual threat.
When it is used
- At the moment a threat is received, especially by phone.
- Kept readily available where calls are answered.
- Referred to in briefings so people know it exists.
- Reviewed when the procedure or contacts change.
Typical fields
- Date, time and how the threat was received.
- Exact words used, as far as they can be recalled.
- Caller details — voice, background noise, manner.
- Questions to ask if it is safe and possible.
- The agreed next steps and who to tell.
- Example fields only — adapt them to your procedure and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Keeping the checklist where nobody can reach it during a call.
- Not briefing staff that it exists or how to use it.
- Failing to record the caller’s exact words.
- Not having a clear route to alert management and the authorities.
Document workflow
A bomb threat checklist links into the emergency response plan and may trigger the emergency evacuation plan and roll-call at the assembly point. The completed checklist is passed to management and the authorities, who lead the response.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a bomb threat checklist.
Retention (high level)
A completed checklist relating to an actual threat is generally retained and shared with the authorities, for a period set by the applicable law and the employer’s duties. This page does not state a period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Blank checklists are often printed for use, and completed ones may be stored as PDFs with the incident records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make it official or replace the authorities’ role.
Employer checklist
- Keep the checklist where threats might be received.
- Brief staff on the procedure and how to use it.
- Make clear who to alert and how to reach the authorities.
- Review the procedure and contacts regularly.
Worker notes
- Stay calm and note what you can if you receive a threat.
- Follow your workplace procedure and alert management.
- Do not investigate; let the authorities lead.
Country considerations
How threats should be handled and reported varies by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not security or legal advice.
Confirm the appropriate procedure with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for having a suitable procedure, briefing staff and cooperating with the authorities, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine your procedure and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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