Bomb Threat

Bomb threats are rare, but should always be taken seriously. How quickly and safely you react to a bomb threat could save lives, including your own. What should you do?

1. Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. Do not hang up, even if the caller does.
2. Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
3. Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
4. If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.
5. If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.
6. Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words.
7. Immediately upon termination of the call, do not hang up, but from a different phone, contact authorities immediately with information and await instructions.
8. If instructed to evacuate, exit the building immediately and report to the designated evacuation site for the building. If inclement weather conditions exist, you may move to another building a safe distance away. Do not re-enter the building until you are instructed that it is safe by ECU Police.

Note: Do not use two-way radios or cell phones. These signals have the potential to detonate a bomb. Do not touch, tamper, or move a suspicious package in any way.

Whether the bomb threat is made via phone, handwritten note, email, or other means, the DHS Bomb Threat Procedures and Checklist provides instructions on how to respond to a bomb threat and a comprehensive list of information that will assist law enforcement in a bomb threat investigation. Print this checklist for you to use in case of a bomb threat.

If You See Something, Say Something!

In the event of any harassing or threatening phone calls, use the checklist to describe the call to police. All threats should be reported to ECU Police via 911 or LiveSafe.