Bomb Threats can be received by telephone, note, letter, email, text message, or in person. All bomb threats must be taken seriously and handled as though an explosive device is on campus. Suspicious indicators include, but are not limited to, unusually placed items, emitting odd smell, oil stains, wires, poorly written labels, sender is not recognized or listed, addressed to employee who is subject to know threats, or is a VIP.

What to do if you receive a bomb threat by telephone

• Stay calm and speak to the caller with a pleasant tone
• Let the caller know you are willing to cooperate by listening to what they have to say
• Ask the caller if there is anything you can do to help
• DO NOT upset the caller
• Keep the caller on the line
• Ask the following questions:
  • Where is the bomb?
  • When is it going to go off?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What does it look like?
• Take notes on everything said and on your observation about background noise, voice characteristics, language, etc.
• Record suspect voice, if possible
• Record the phone number and the time which the call was received
• Call Police 9-1-1 and Campus Security as soon as the threatening call has ended or direct someone to call Police 9-1-1 and Campus Security while you remain on the phone with the suspect.

What to do if you find a note or suspicious package

• Do not handle the package
• If you have touched the package, put it down gently
• Call or direct someone to call Campus Security

When there has been a bomb threat

• Survey your immediate work area. If you see a suspicious package or a foreign object in an unusual place – DO NOT touch it and advise your supervisor or Campus Security
• Follow evacuation procedures
• Follow instructions given by emergency personnel and university officials