Bomb Threats
If you receive a threatening call (bomb, other physical harm, etc.), do not hang up. Have someone else call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445 from a different extension. Attempt to engage the caller in a conversation and obtain as much information as possible. Take the following notes:
Details about the caller:
- Male or female?
- Young or old?
- Calm? Angry? Stutter? Accent?
- What sounds are in the background?
- Record the caller's exact words, if possible.
If it is a bomb threat, ask these questions as well:
- When is the bomb going to explode?
- What does it look like? What kind is it?
- What will cause it to explode?
- Where is the bomb?
- Who placed the bomb?
- Why was the bomb placed?
The decision to evacuate will be made by Office of Campus and Community Safety Services, based on an assessment of the information and circumstances surrounding the threat.
Evacuation
Once the decision to evacuate has been made and specific instructions for the evacuation are issued, try to remain calm and avoid panic. Do the following:
- Walk to the nearest exit.
- Make sure that others (students, faculty and staff) are evacuating.
- Evacuate at least 200 yards away from the area containing the bomb. If you see something that appears to be an explosive, or if a bomb is found, do not move it, or jar or touch the object or anything attached to it. Leave it for specially trained police officers to remove. Tell a public safety officer immediately if you find something that looks suspicious
In any bomb threat situation:
- Look in your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
- 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.
