Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March 2014 | Page 40

MANAGING
in calm manner, requesting specific information
aboutthe bomb and sensitivity for identifying
characteristics of the caller.

Threat analysis
Is it a real threat situation, or not? To conduct
a search or not? To evacuate or not? Each of
these decisions obviously carries a very serious
question of safety and potential significant
impact on business. The validity of the threat
has to be determined with limited information
and time on hand and the response to the
situation will be totally dependent upon the
evaluation results. Proper pre-planning and
training are critical to this risk management
process as the threat has to be analysed quickly,
estimate the need for accurate response, decide
upon the most logical direction to take, and
then execute the plan. Response will involve
the following three continuous and related, but
also distinct steps:
First: Analysis of the threat, and estimate of
the need for response.
Second: Decision of the logical response to follow.
Third: Implementing the response decisions
within the allowed time frame.
Each of these steps will require different
sk ills and information, and will involve
different people, working both together and
independently. Based upon the available
in for mat ion, a ns wers to t he fol low ing
questions are pertinent in the assessment, even
if the answer involves an assumption.

How credible is the threat?
Is there a history of actual bomb explosions
previously at the centre or is there a history
of many bomb threats and no actual bombs?
Has tangible information and evidence been
provided that strongly indicates that an actual
device is involved, or does an anonymous caller
simply state that “There is a bomb in your
facility.” and quickly hang up?

What is the proper response?
• Ignore the threat or warning and simply
keep it in mind for future reference?
• Have several employees conduct a low
profile and limited search of a specific area?
• Conduct an in-house search of the entire
facility?
• Notify the public authorities and involve
them in your efforts?
• Order a general evacuation of the facility?
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March 2014 SA Real Estate Investor

A subjective judgement must be made
reg a