Tips that Could Save You and Your Family from a Bomb

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions.” (Proverbs 22:3)

While bombings are not a common occurrence in America, there have been more of them than most people realize.

Most recently, March 2018, a man, a teenager, and a 75 year old woman were killed in separate blasts from package bombs delivered to their homes in Austin, Texas.  Anthony Stephan House was killed in the first bombing 10 days earlier.  Debris extended 75 feet out all the way to the driveway of the next door neighbor, who told CBS News' David Begnaud how he tried to keep the first victim alive.

10 days after House's murder, police received reports of two more explosions.  The first came in at 6:44 am.  A teenager was killed when he unknowingly brought a bomb into his kitchen.  The second call, at 11:50 am, involved a 75-year-old woman injured by a blast on her porch.  The package bombs were not mailed or sent through a regular delivery service. 

Over the last 30 years there have been bombings of every type from businesses, Federal facilities, churches, or someone’s home. 

Some key things characteristics of package/letter bombs are:

1) Unusually heavy packages.

If a package or letter seems excessively heavy for its volume, it should be treated as suspect.  A package could be relatively light and contain very powerful plastic explosives with sophisticated digital timing and trigger devices.  However, most bombs of this type contain elements that are readily available such as steel pipes and other heavy metals to increase the destructive effects of the device.

2) Excessive Wrapping Tape.

Package bombs are usually pressure sensitive.  The bomber wants to be sure it doesn’t explode before it’s in the hands of his target.

3) Excessive Postage.

Mail with excessive postage and no return address should be viewed with caution.  In addition, the package may contain excessive postage due to the fact that excessively heavy material is enclosed such as a pipe bomb with nails etc., or because the sender wants to assure that the package will not be stopped for any reason.  

4) Stains and/or Odors from any Liquid Accelerants.

Certain types of explosives leave greasy black marks on paper, a good indication of a suspect device.  It can also mean that the explosive device has become old and unstable, making it extremely dangerous. Some types of explosive chemicals leak with age.  A smell suggestive of almonds or marzipan, or any other strange smell, including shoe polish is an indication of a suspect device.  You should learn to rely on all of your senses to detect anything that appears out of place.

5) Wires Poking Out.

An explosive mail device that has been handled roughly may show wire or spring holes in its outer wrapping.  This could be the result of unprofessional packaging by an individual. This, by itself or in combination with the other clues described, should alert mail handlers to a suspect device.

6) An illegible or Missing Return Address.

If you have the slightest doubt, don’t hesitate to have it checked out!  A local bomb squad can take care of that for you.

7) Un-requested Deliveries.

Un-requested deliveries, especially packages, should be screened and treated with caution.  A book or thick brochure discovered upon opening a delivery should be reported to law enforcement.  Any mail which raises the slightest suspicion should not be handled.  If the package contains a return address with the name of the sender, they can easily be contacted to determine the contents.  If it does not, this is another warning sign.

8) Suspicious Packaging.

If an envelope is taped down all around, instead of having a normal opening flap, it may contain a booby trap spring.  Such letters should be handled very carefully and treated as suspect.  As explained earlier, simple wire springs are lightweight and make effective trigger devices.

9) Letter Stiffness.

Gentle handling can reveal whether an envelope contains folded paper or a device.  The presence of stiff cardboard, metal or plastic should alert the handler to a possible suspect device.

10) Senders Writing.

Mail should be treated with caution if it features a foreign style of writing, not normally received, on the address.  In addition if you have received any earlier written threats with a similar recognizable style of writing or printing, this should be considered.  Any type of distinctive shipping label should be considered.  If you are used to receiving professional packages with professional shipping labels, be suspicious of handwritten labels.

If you see one or more of these signs immediately contact your local law enforcement and let them handle to situation.  NEVER attempt to open or move the package or letter.  

The terrorist is counting on human nature to help him get through your defenses. He is counting on you being too busy to pay close attention to what he has done, or he is counting on you to be thinking about some personal event in your life that distracts you from paying attention to what he is trying to accomplish.

I don’t want to make people paranoid, but bombs are a reality in our world.  It’s important that you and your family stay alert and get educated. 

Be safe! 

Integrity Security Consulting

Russ Sharrock

405-762-2471 | integrityseccon@hotmail.com

I have developed and made available to anyone interested, for FREE, a series of Security & safety forms that can be printed for your use:

1) A Safety & Security Risk Assessment Form

2) Church Security Plan Template

3) Church Emergency Plan Template

4) A General Fire Safety Checklist

5) A Bomb Threat Checklist

6) A Bomb Threat Distance Chart:  Includes various types of explosive devises and to be referred to in an event of a bomb threat evacuation.  These are minimum distances to evacuate away from the area of explosion.

7) Facility Lockdown Checklist

8) Child Protection Covenant

These MS Word documents can be adapted as necessary to fit your church size and needs.  I will be adding new forms as time allows.

For a copy of any of these FREE forms, or if you have any questions, contact me and let me know what your needs are.

   

 

Preparing for an Emergency

Whether a tornado strikes or a flood invades your community, your organization needs to be ready for the worst.  Members of your congregation could be at your facility when a crisis occurs, and you’ll need to know how to evacuate the building or how to endure if trapped inside. If you are prepared, your chances for a quick and successful recovery greatly increase.

The possibility of your worship center requiring an emergency plan may be greater than you think.  Consider this, the number of natural disasters has risen four-fold over the last two decades.

The first step to preparing your organization for an emergency is learning about the potential hazards. A hurricane, terrorist attack, drought, earthquake, severe winter storm—these are only some of the disasters you could experience, depending on your facility’s location.  To gain some insight as to what could happen in your area, visit FEMA's Ready America website.  The sources listed on the site are able to give you helpful information on the risks surrounding your facility.

Once you know your hazards, the next step is to create an emergency plan. Of course, you won’t know exactly what kind of disaster might strike or when it could hit, but you can have a plan that covers a broad spectrum of possibilities. To do this, address the following items in your emergency plan:

1) Safe areas

Where should those in your facility gather in the event of an emergency, such as severe weather? Establish a procedure for getting to the area.

2) Escape routes

How should members evacuate the building(s)? Have both a primary and secondary route of escape.

3) Alternate situation

Discuss what will happen if members become trapped in the facility for an extended period of time. 

4) Means of communication

If you were to become trapped in the facility, how would you communicate with external sources to request assistance?

5) Shutting off utilities

In some instances, building owners are asked to shut off utility services after a disaster has struck.  Know the location of your water, gas and electric shut-offs.

6) Insurance and vital records

Where are your insurance papers and other important documents located?  How will you obtain them following a disastrous event?

7) Safety skills

Do members of your congregation know where the first-aid kit and fire extinguishers are located?

After you create emergency escape routes and communication methods, practice and review them with your congregation. Also, post a floor plan of the escape routes in an easy-to-see area of your facility.

Make a plan, practice your plan, and be safe!