Telephone Bomb Threats

Real or Hoax?

Most bomb threats are hoaxes which are made in an effort to disrupt normal business. However, no bomb threat should be dismissed as a hoax without notifying the proper authorities immediately.

If you receive a bomb threat by phone, there are very important questions that you should ask the caller. You need to be ov

Upon receiving a telephone bomb threat it is important to notify your immediate supervisor and the University Police as soon as the caller hangs up.

Bomb Threat Telephone Call: Immediate Action

• Remain calm and immediately refer to the Telephone Bomb Threat Checklist. If applicable, pay attention to your telephone display, and record the information shown in the display window. (It’s wise to note the calling number as standard procedure, even before answering the telephone.)
• The objective is to keep the caller on the line as long as possible to gather as much information as you can. Try not to anger the caller at any time.
• While engaging the caller, pay attention to any background noise and distinctive sounds (machinery, traffic, other voices, music, television, etc.).
• Note any characteristics of the caller’s voice (gender, age, education, accent, etc.). 
• Attempt to obtain information on the location of a device (building, floor, room, etc.).
• Attempt to obtain information on the time of detonation and type of detonator. 
•  Immediately after the caller has ended the call, notify the University Police at 911. 
• If the threat was left on your voice mail, do not erase. 
• Notify the immediate supervisor within your work area. 

Use the Bomb Threat Checklist to record any information.

Refer to the Suspicious Packages page for additional information.