Undergrads apply for free in October
Skip to main content

Bomb Threat or Suspicious Items

Bomb threats or suspicious items should always be taken seriously. How quickly and safely you react to a bomb threat could save lives, including your own.

If you receive a bomb threat or see something that looks suspicious, do not assume it's a hoax; TAKE ACTION.

If you See Something, Say Something

  • Do not touch, move or open the object.
  • Isolate area by moving people away from the immediate location.
  • When you are away from the suspicious item, call 911.

Bomb threat

A bomb threat can be received via the phone, mail, fax, email, note or in person. Most important actions to take when receiving a bomb threat:

  • Remain calm; try to get someone's attention to listen in on the call; and obtain as much information as possible from the caller:
    • When is the bomb going to explode?
    • Where is it?
    • What does it look like?
    • What will cause it to explode?
    • Why did you place the bomb? 
  • Write down the phone number, if you have caller ID that is displayed. Remember:
    • Woman's or man's voice?
    • Approximate age?
    • Accent?
    • Tone of voice?
    • Background noise?
  • Notify police by calling 911. Ask for immediate assistance, follow their instructions and provide the following information:
    • Location (building and room number) of the bomb threat.
    • Information gathered above.
    • Your name and a number to reach you.

DO NOT EVACUATE DURING A BOMB THREAT UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO.

Bomb Threat Checklist

Suspicious Item

A suspicious item is defined as anything that is out of place and cannot be accounted for or any item suspected of being an explosive device.

Typical characteristics of a suspicious item:

  • Excessive postage, no postage, or noncanceled postage.
  • No return address or obviously fictitious return address.
  • Packages that are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you.
  • Excessive tape.
  • Improper spelling of addressee names, titles, or locations.
  • Packages that are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or otherwise outdated.
  • Rigid, bulky, lopsided, or uneven.

Even though your first action during a bomb threat is not to evacuate it's still important to know the difference between evacuation and sheltering in place.

BOMB THREAT RESOURCES