PURPOSE

The purpose of a bomb threat procedure is to have an orderly, safe, and rapid method of conducting searches, thereby providing prompt, necessary communications and rendering assistance in the event an evacuation is called for by the local authority.

PROCEDURES AND CHECKLIST

In the event of a bomb threat, either through a telephone call or by other means, the following procedure should be followed:

• If a threat is received by phone, try to discretely attract someone's attention in the office while listening to the caller.
• Try to keep the caller talking, as long as possible. Ask the person to repeat parts of the message. REMAIN CALM.
• Write down the message and obtain as much relevant information as possible.
• Immediately after the call, the tenant should notify the Property Manager.

POSTAL BOMB INFORMATION

Postal Bomb Construction:

Postal bombs can be made up to fit inside parcels, packages, and letters for dispatch through mail or delivery by hand. Such bombs are designed to explode when the package is opened. The means of initiating the explosion may be mechanical (e.g., by the release of a spring-loaded striker) or electrical. One popular type of postal bomb consists of two to five ounces of plastic explosive with a pencil shaped metal fuse pressed in its center. It is then placed in an envelope and sealed. Envelopes usually measure approximately 5 3/4" x 4", 3/16" thick and weigh between 2 and 3 ounces.

Postal Bomb Detection:

Points to look for in determining whether a package or letter is suspect are:

• Place of origin (e.g., is it an unusual postmark)
• Handwriting of sender (e.g., foreign style of writing not usually received)
• Balance is the package or letter heavier at one end than the other?
• Weight does it seem excessive for its size?
• Is there any springiness on the top, bottom or sides of the package or letter, or does it bend excessively?
• Are there protruding wires? (Even the best prepared devices may become partly unwrapped in transit).
• Is there a small hole in the wrapping or envelope?
• Are there grease marks on the envelope or wrapping caused by the "sweating" of an explosive?
• Is there an unusual smell like almonds or marzipan?
• Is it suspected that the package contains an item which is not usually received?
• Is the flap of the envelope stuck down all around instead of having a gap at each end of where there is no gum? Is the flap stuck down with tape?

Additionally, in the case of letters:

• The feel will indicate whether there is only folded paper inside the envelope or if there is stiffening with card or metal. In the latter case, treat as suspect. Letters usually weigh up to about 1 ounce.
• Effective letter bombs will weigh more than 2 ounces and, therefore, need more than the usual postage stamps. If they are unusually thick (e.g., 3/16" or more) and heavier at one end than the other, they should be treated as suspect.
• If upon opening the envelope there is an additional envelope addressed personally to someone, this should be felt again for signs of the pointers listed above.
• An inner envelope which is tightly taped or tied with string should be treated as suspect.

Suspicious Package Procedures

If an employee responsible for opening mail considers that a letter or parcel is suspect, he/she is to immediately inform the Office Manager, who in turn will notify the Building Manager's Office. THE PACKAGE MUST NOT BE OPENED.

Evacuation Procedures (Fire Safety Plan)

Each Tenant should establish an internal policy regarding evacuation in the event of a bomb threat. 501 Seventh Avenue does NOT make this decision. In some cases, the police may order evacuation; otherwise, it is left to the sole discretion of the Tenant. Once your company has established an evacuation plan, please send a copy to the Building Office for our files.

FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION PROGRAM

• Fire drills will be conducted two (2) times per year.
• Occupants will be alerted through the Fire Communication System.
• Fire drills will be conducted and supervised by qualified building employees as well as an outside fire drill contractor.
• Floor wardens will direct occupants on each floor.
• Searchers will inspect Men's and Ladies rooms to evacuate occupants.

DUTIES OF FIRE WARDENS & DEPUTY WARDENS

• Familiarize all employees with floor layout, locations of fire exits, location of pull box alarm stations and fire extinguishers.
• Guide your group to nearest fire exits and be prepared to evacuate floor if necessary.

DUTIES OF SEARCHERS

• Inspect Men's and Ladies rooms, evacuate occupants.

IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE IN YOUR PREMISES

• Notify Fire Department. Use fire alarm pull stations located at both stairway areas. You can also call the Fire Department direct by dialing 911. Use Warden's phone to contact fire safety director and relate location of smoke or fire.
• All personnel should go to their nearest exit and be prepared to evacuate under the direction of the Fire Safety Director and the floor warden.
• If one fire exit cannot be used due to fire or smoke, use the alternate exit.
• Instruct your group to remain calm, walk, DO NOT RUN to the nearest exit.
• DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
• Check Ladies and Men's rooms, or any other that can be overlooked when evacuating floor. Do Not leave anyone behind. Assist any disabled person.
• Deputy Wardens will lead employees down exit stairs. Walk down calmly, Do Not push or shove.
• The most critical areas for immediate evacuation are the fire floor and the floor directly above. Evacuation to two or more floors below the fire floor is generally adequate.

There will be no evacuation of the building unless specifically recommended by the Fire Department and conveyed from the Fire Command Station (lobby console) to all personnel. In the event of evacuation, calmly leave the building and cross the street obeying instructions of the Police and Fire Departments.

Disabled Persons

Please advise the Building Management Office of any disabled persons employed by your company. A responsible person in the same work area should be assigned to assist disabled persons.

• Fire Safety Director will notify wardens regarding location of fire.
• Fire Wardens will proceed with their groups to a staging area and prepare to evacuate on command.

Fire Safety Emergency Team Procedures

The emergency team consists of the Fire Safety Director, Deputy Fire Safety Director, building and security staff, Fire Wardens, Deputy Wardens (appointed by each Tenant from among their respective employees), and the fire brigade. The primary function of the Fire Wardens and Deputy Wardens is to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of the occupants of the building in the event required by an emergency. This is accomplished by communication and the joint efforts of all members of the Emergency Team.

Fire drills are held once every six (6) months and all tenants are expected to cooperate and learn the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. Tenants and their employees should familiarize themselves with all exits and fire alarm devices on their floor and should understand the fire safety plan, found below.

Any questions should be directed to the Building Office at 212-695-3617.

Due to the resistive quality of this high-rise office building, immediate evacuation of the building is only necessary:

• from floor where fire is burning
• from floor areas one (1) story above fire floor
• when ordered to leave by Fire Safety Director, Police, or Fire Department Personnel

Actions to be taken by Anyone Discovering a Fire

Any person in the building, whenever there is evidence of fire, heat, or smoke, shall initiate the transmission of an alarm. No approval of a superior is necessary.

Alarm to be transmitted as Follows:

• Dial 911.
• Pull interior fire alarm in corridor by stairway "A" or stairway "B."
• Call the Fire Department 212-570-4266.
• Call Midtown South 212-239-9811or Midtown North 212-760-8300.

Immediately after transmitting alarm, notify the Building Management Office and Fire Warden on your floor.

BUILDING MANAGEMENT TELEPHONE NUMBER: 212-695-3617.

Fire Wardens and Deputy Wardens Duties

• The Tenant or Tenants on each floor shall, upon request of Building Management, designate responsible and dependable employees for the positions of Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Wardens.
• Each floor of a building shall be under the direction of a designated Fire Warden for the evacuation of occupants in the event of fire. The Warden will be assisted in his duties by Deputy Fire Wardens.
• Each Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden shall be familiar with the Fire Safety Plan, the location of exits and the location and operation of any available fire alarm system.
• In the event of fire, or fire alarm, the Fire Warden shall establish communication with the Fire Safety Director and assist in the evacuation of the floor in accordance with the directions received from Fire Safety Director.
• Have available an updated listing of all personnel with disabilities who cannot use the stairs unaided.
• Assure that all persons on the floor are notified of the fire emergency and assist in the evacuation of all personnel. A search must be conducted in the lavatories to assure all are unoccupied. The Warden should assign other personnel to check the lavatories.

Quick, safe evacuation makes sense, to saves lives, and is required by law, whether for practice or for an actual emergency. Please ensure that all your employees know and understand their part in the event of an evacuation. In case of an evacuation. Please listen for instructions from the building’s Fire Safety Director or Fire Department.

Flooding

If a flood or leak should occur, building management should be notified immediately. While waiting for emergency personnel to respond, Tenants should safeguard and remove any valuable papers or documents from the affected area. Stay away from electrical equipment and outlets in a flooded area. Do NOT attempt to unplug or operate electrical equipment near water damaged areas. The building maintenance department will disconnect electricity serving a water damaged area and will alert you when it is safe to resume operation of electrical equipment.

Medical Emergency

If an accident occurs within your office suite, please notify the Building Management Office or call the Security/ Concierge Desk immediately. An employee of 501 Seventh Avenue will be dispatched to the scene of the accident and will perform the following:

• Notify the police and/or ambulance if required and if not done so already.
• Aid the injured party until emergency crew arrives.
• Complete an incident report.

Power Failure

In case of a power outage, 501 Seventh Avenue is equipped with emergency lighting throughout the building and in the stairways.

Severe Weather

In the event of severe weather, including high winds, the following will be performed:

• All Tenants will be notified
• Building personnel will secure all equipment and material on the roof, building exterior and sidewalk, which could move and cause damage to the building occupants and the public.
• Depending upon the severity of the storm, it may require a shutdown to some or all HVAC equipment for safety. Tenants will be notified accordingly.
• All glass swing doors in the Lobbies will be locked.
• Tenants will be requested to close their blinds or shades to limit their exposure to glass breakage, should it occur. Where possible, Tenants should temporarily relocate their workstations away from the windows.
• If any window should break, Tenants should close off area involved and notify the Management Office immediately.
• Tenants will be kept informed of weather status.

Click here to view the bomb threat checklist.

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