Bomb Threats

What To Do If There is a Bomb Threat

Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats should be taken seriously until proven otherwise. The following guidelines will help you to take steps and act quickly if you receive a bomb threat at your school, place, of work or home.

You receive a bomb threat 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 authorities 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 (PDF) 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 9-1-1 immediately with information and await instructions.

If you receive a bomb threat by handwritten note, call 9-1-1 immediately and handle note as minimally as possible.

Signs of a Suspicious Package

  • No return address
  • Excessive postage
  • Stains
  • Strange odor
  • Strange sounds
  • Unexpected Delivery
  • Poorly Handwritten
  • Misspelled Words
  • Incorrect Titles
  • Foreign Postage
  • Restrictive Notes

Do not:

  • Use two-way radios or cellular phone; radio signals the potential to detonate a bomb.
  • Evacuate the building until police arrive and evaluate the threat.
  • Activate the fire alarm.
  • Touch or move a suspicious package.

How to Trace a Phone Call

If you receive a threat phone call, it is important to trace the source of the call.

Follow the procedures outlined in the Bomb Threat Call Procedures and Checklist (PDF). After receiving the threat call, hang up your phone. Immediately pickup the receiver of your phone and dial *57 (star 57) wait for the recording acknowledging the trace and then hang up.

Then follow your company’s procedure for bomb threat reporting and response. Alert the 9-1-1 Center that you have received a threat call and report the time that you received the call and that you initiated the “tag and trace” procedure.

Questions? Please call 910-455-4000.