Bomb Threat

Receiving the Threat:  

• If possible, get a pen and paper for notes  
• Do not hang up  
• Remain calm, be polite and attempt to get information from the caller to help assess the validity of the threat  
• Ask questions, such as: 
  • When is the bomb going to explode?  
  • Where is it right now?  
  • What does it look like?  
  • What kind of bomb is it?  
  • What will cause it to explode?  
  • Why did you place the bomb? 
• Assess the caller’s voice, accent, slang and speaking style  
• Be attentive to background sounds and noise  
• Note unusual speech characteristics  
• Describe the type of language used  
• When the call ends, call the police at 911 and notify campus security 
• Wait for the police and security to arrive and provide them information  

Automatic Building Evacuation: 

Do not attempt to evacuate the building without authorization and assistance from the police or security. In the very unlikely event that there is a bomb, people are likely to be safer where they are. Steel-framed walls, doors, closets and desks provide reasonably safe barriers against the concussion and projectiles from a blast. Automatic evacuation means channeling persons into hallways and stairwells that have not been searched by the police or security. The actual threat or a secondary explosive device may exist outside where there is little effective barrier protection.