SB-6                                     National Domestic Preparedness Office                       January 12, 2000
	SPECIAL BULLETIN

 

 

 

WMD THREATS:  SAMPLE GUIDELINES REISSUE

 

Because of the recent series of anthrax hoaxes, the National Domestic Preparedness Office is

reissuing the sample guidelines for responding to a WMD threat.

 

1.  Anonymous caller indicating a WMD threat (including anthrax)

 

·        Law enforcement response including local authorities and FBI agent

·        Fire department/HazMat response not recommended unless device or substance is found.

·        Routine law enforcement investigation.

·        Investigative actions during this response may include:

        - Information gathering at the scene.

      - Building evacuation/search following local protocol.

            - Taking control of the building ventilation system may be warranted based upon investigative

              findings.

            - Attention should be focused on appliances or devices foreign to the surroundings.

            - Included should be an assessment of the building ventilation system to rule out forced entry

            and tampering.

             Protective equipment should not be required unless hazards or risks are indicated.

            - Investigation similar to a telephonic bomb threat.

 

·        Suspicious findings during investigation should initiate a public safety response including:

      - Fire/EMS/HazMat.

      - EOD team.

      - Notifications per local plan which should include local and state health departments

      - Notifications per FBI plan.

 

2.  Potential WMD device located

·        Follow local protocols for risk assessment and evaluation of potential explosive devices. Included in

the response should be:

-  Law enforcement including local authorities and FBI agent.

-  Fire/EMS/HazMat.

-  EOD team.

      -  Local and state health departments

 

·        If explosive device is not ruled out, coordinate efforts with local/regional EOD authority and notify

        FBI Bomb Data Center (BDC).

·        If explosive device is ruled out:

-  Evaluate for potential chemical, biological or radioactive filler.  

      -  If radioactive filler appears to be present, follow FBI plans for requesting additional assistance.

-  If no hazardous materials appear to be present,  response continues as a law enforcement

investigation.

 

·        Device with potential chemical or biological filler or supplement.

-  Follow FBI ERT protocols for documentation of the crime scene.

-  Contain the package following recommendations from a hazardous materials authority.  Assure

         notification of FBI/HMRU, through local FBI.

      -  Options include double bagging, steel cans, poly containment vessels, or utilization of a

         hazardous materials over-pack.

      -  Control the material as evidence and follow FBI plan for laboratory analysis.

 

·        Potential release of WMD material from a device.

      -  Control the ventilation system.

-  Follow protocols for a hazardous materials incident.

-  Evaluate the extent of contamination.

-  Evacuation of affected areas and decontamination procedures should be selected on the basis of

         an incident and risk assessment

-  Provide medical attention following the recommendations from the local/regional public health

         medical authority

-  Control and or isolate the hazard.

-  Treat as a FBI hazardous materials crime scene.

      -  Request assistance from FBI/HMRU through local FBI .

 

 

3. Specific situations - envelope with potential threat of anthrax, letter opened

and material present.

 

·        Public safety response including local authorities and FBI agent

·        Contain the package following recommendations from a hazardous materials authority.

-  Options include double bagging, steel cans, poly containment vessels, or utilization of a

   hazardous materials over-pack.

-  Control the material as evidence and follow FBI plan for laboratory analysis.

·        Provide medical attention/decontamination following the recommendations from the local/regional

public health medical authority

-  Evaluate the extent of contamination.

-  Evacuation of the affected area and decontamination procedures should be selected on the

   basis of an incident hazard and risk assessment.

-  Generally, medical prophylaxis and decontamination have not been indicated except for

   washing hands with soap and warm water.                     

 

4.  Specific situations B envelope with potential threat of anthrax, letter opened

and no material present.

 

·        Law enforcement response including local authorities and FBI agent

- Fire department/EMS/HazMat response not recommended unless suspicious

               material is found or individuals are presenting symptoms.

   

·        Handle the package following FBI ERT protocols

- Double bag the material and place in a suitable container such as an evidence paint can

- Control the material as evidence and follow FBI plan for laboratory analysis.

·        No medical attention/decontamination is necessary unless symptoms are present, although local public health authorities should be notified.

·        Handle as a law enforcement investigation.