Which is a basic step in responding to a bomb threat?

• A. Evacuate immediately
• B. Contact security only
• C. Search the area
• D. Establish authority

Answer: (D)

Establishing clear incident command and authority is the fundamental first step in responding to a bomb threat. Having a single, empowered person or team in charge sets up the chain of command, coordinates all actions, and ensures consistent communication with law enforcement and responders. This structure allows the decision to evacuate, search, or shelter-in-place to be made safely and efficiently under established procedures, rather than leaving responses in a chaotic or conflicting state.

Evacuating immediately can be appropriate in some situations, but it should come from the incident commander after assessing the threat and following protocol. Contacting security alone isn’t enough because a higher authority and a formal process are needed to guide the overall response. Searching the area is a specialized, potentially dangerous action that requires a defined plan and trained personnel; it isn’t the basic starting point.