Explosion or bomb threat procedures

Initial Actions

A suspicious-looking box, package, object, or container in or near your work area may be a bomb or explosive material. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the University Police immediately at 911 (from a campus phone) or 777-2393 (from any phone). Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch, and do not activate the fire alarm.

If There Is An Explosion:

• Take cover under sturdy furniture, or leave the building if directed to do so by emergency responders.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not light matches.
• Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
• Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
• Call University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 777-2393 (from any phone). Follow "General Evacuation Procedures", Section 12.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat (via telephone):

• If you receive a threatening call (bomb, or other physical harm, etc.) do not hang up. Have someone else call the University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 777-2393 (from any phone) if possible. Attempt to engage the caller in conversation and obtain as much information as possible.
• Stay calm and keep your voice calm.
• Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.

Take notes. Ask questions:

• What exactly is the threat?
• When will it explode?
• Where was the bomb left?
• Where is it right now?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• Who placed the bomb?
• Who is the target?
• Why was the bomb placed?
• What is your address?
• What is your name?

Observe the caller's speech:

• Is the voice familiar in any way?
• Male or female?
• Young or old?
• Speech patterns (Accent? Stutter?)
• Emotional state (Angry? Agitated? Calm?)
• Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)

Write down other data:

• Date and time of call
• How threat was received (letter, note, telephone)

Call University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 777-2393 (from any phone) and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note).

Follow University Police’s instructions.

If You Receive a Bomb Threat (via E-mail, Letter or Note):

If you receive a bomb threat via e-mail, letter or note, telephone University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 777-2393 (from any phone) and save note as evidence to be turned in to University Police.

In Any Bomb Threat Situation:

• Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 777-2393 (from any phone).
• Take personal belongings when you leave.
• Leave doors and windows open; do not turn light switches on or off.
• Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
• Move well away from the building and follow instructions from emergency responders.