Palmview Primary School, located in the heart of Palmview, KZN, became the focus of an alarming situation when its administration staff received a bomb scare, on Thursday.
Palmview Primary School targeted in hoax bomb scare
The day took an unexpected turn for the primary school when administration staff reported receiving two bomb threats made via phone calls.
The caller, identified only as a male, claimed that an explosive device had been placed on the school premises.
Reacting swiftly to the potential threat, the school’s immediate course of action was to ensure the safety of its learners and staff.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), along with Reaction Officers and RUSA Paramedics, were dispatched to the scene, where they coordinated with Phoenix SAPS officials.
The school took the necessary precaution of evacuating all learners to the assembly area, prioritising their safety above all.
The SAPS Explosives Unit arrived on the scene without delay and conducted a thorough search of the school premises.
The tension-filled wait ended with relief as the search concluded with no explosives being found.
This incident, while causing initial alarm, turned out to be a hoax.
What to Do During a Bomb Scare
The Palmview Primary bomb scare serves as a critical learning opportunity for schools and public institutions to handle such threats. The first step is always to remain calm and not to panic.
Immediately notifying local law enforcement is crucial, as they have the expertise and resources to assess and manage the situation.
Evacuating the premises in an orderly fashion is essential to prevent injury and ensure everyone’s safety. Institutions need to have an evacuation plan in place, familiarising both staff and students with the procedure to avoid confusion during actual emergencies.
Communication during the evacuation should be clear, with designated personnel guiding the process and accounting for all individuals.
After reaching a safe location, it’s vital to stay put until authorities give the all-clear signal, as moving prematurely could lead to unnecessary risk.
