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Bomb Threats and Suspicious Packages on Campus

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Your Safety Matters

Bomb Threats

Understand the steps to take if you receive a written or telephone threat related to the detonation of a bomb or other device.

All bomb threats must be taken seriously and carefully analyzed. The threat should be treated as genuine until investigated and a search of the campus has been completed. The decision to evacuate a building will be made by campus security and senior college administrators.

What To Do

  • If you receive a bomb threat, act quickly and notify the campus police immediately. Do not use radios, pagers, or cell phones, as they can trigger an explosive device.

Written Threats

  1. Do not touch or move the letter. Keep others from handling it or going near it so it's not altered or destroyed.
  2. Call Campus Police. 281.425.6888 or 911, depending on the situation.
  3. State your location and report the information from the threat. Stay on the phone until released by the dispatcher.

A bomb inside a yellow plastic bagTelephone Threats

  1. Do not hang up. Remain calm and keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
  2. Listen carefully. Obtain as much information as possible. Ask questions such as:
    • When is the bomb going to explode?
    • Where is the bomb right now?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What does it look like?
    • What will cause it to explode?
    • Where did you place the bomb?
    • What is your name?
  3. Take notes about the call and caller:
    • Identity: Age range, male or female
    • Voice and speech
    • Background noise
    • Mood
    • Time of call
    • Exact words
    • Phone number or caller ID
  4. Call or have someone contact Campus Security at 281.425.6888 or call 911. State your location and report the threat information.

Suspicious Packages

What To Do

If you see a suspicious item or package do not move it or interfere with it in any way. Move away from the device immediately; contact Campus Security at 281.425.6888 or call 911. The person finding the device must remain on hand to brief the campus police or law enforcement personnel of the exact location and description.

Do Not

  • Cover, insulate, or place the package in a cabinet or drawer.
  • Investigate on your own.
  • Shake or bump the package.