Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information with the checklist below.
If a bomb threat is received by phone:
- Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.
- Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
- Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
- If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the UPD or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.
- If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
- Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words.
- Immediately, upon termination of the call, DO NOT HANG UP, but from a different phone, contact 911 immediately with information and await instructions.
If a bomb threat is received by handwritten note:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Handle the note as minimally as possible.
If a bomb threat is received by email:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Do NOT delete the message.
If you receive a suspicious package:
- Call 911 from a landline.
- Do NOT use a cellular phone or a two-way radio. Radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb.
- Do NOT touch or remove a suspicious package.
Signs of a suspicious package:
- No return address
- Poorly handwritten
- Restrictive notes
- Excessive postage
- Foreign postage
- Misspelled words
- Stains
- Incorrect titles
- Strange odor
- Strange sounds
- Unexpected delivery