Background Information
If you receive a bomb threat:
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Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest. Try to keep the caller talking so that you can gather more information about the device, the validity of the threat, or the identity of the caller. Listen carefully for background noises.
- Note the phone number of the caller if your telephone has a display.
- Gather as much information as possible. If possible, use the Bomb Threat Checklist to question the caller in a polite and non-threatening manner.
- Upon completion of the call, immediately dial 911 or 593-1911 to notify Ohio University Police. Then complete the checklist while the call is still fresh in your memory.
- Remain available to answer questions.
- If the threat was received by another individual and he/she is relaying information to you, use the Bomb Threat Checklist to gather as much information as possible.
A suspicious object is defined as any package, parcel, container, or other object that is suspected of being an explosive device because it is out of place or unusual for that location and cannot be accounted for, or because a threat has been received.
If you find a suspicious object:
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Do not touch the object.
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Move people away from the object.
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Do not use portable radio equipment within 100 feet of the suspicious object.
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Dial 911 or 593-1911 immediately to notify Ohio University Police.
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Follow police instructions precisely.
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Do not attempt to evacuate the building without the authorization or assistance of emergency personnel. Current emergency management guidelines caution against automatic evacuation. In most cases, people are likely to be more secure in their offices, laboratories, or classrooms than in hallways that have not been searched or outdoors where an actual threat may be even more likely to exist.
If a search of the building is conducted, you and other staff may be asked to accompany Ohio University Police officers since you are more likely to notice something out of the ordinary in your own area or facility.
Action Steps
If you receive a bomb threat call:
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Remain calm.
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Get as much information as possible (use checklist below.)
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Call 911 or 593-1911.
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Inform your supervisor/department head of the bomb threat phone call.
If you observe suspicious object, package, etc:
- Call 911 or 593-1911.
- Keep yourself and others away from object.
- Do not use cell phones or radio equipment within 100 feet of object.
- If instructed to evacuate, move at least 300 feet away from the building.
- Follow directions of Ohio University Police or Fire personnel.
- Do not reenter the building until instructed by either the Ohio University Police or Fire personnel.
Bomb Threat Checklist
Use the Bomb Threat Checklist on the facing page to document useful information that will help the Ohio University Police Department in investigating a bomb threat.