A bomb threat could be written, emailed, communicated verbally, or received by phone or social media sites. The majority of bomb threats are delivered by telephone. Generally, a bomb threat call is made for one of two reasons:
- The caller has definite knowledge about the explosive device and wants to minimize personal injury.
- The caller wants to disrupt normal activities by creating anxiety and panic.
Although many bomb threats turn out to be pranks, they must be taken seriously to ensure the safety of campus community.
If you receive a bomb threat by phone, DO NOT hang up on the caller. Stay on the line as long as possible, speak calmly and keep the caller talking, and take the following steps:
- If another person is close by, discreetly notify them and tell them to call University Police at 956-882-4911.
- Write down the incoming phone number from the Caller ID.
- Write down what the caller is saying.
- Ask questions, such as:
- Where is the bomb located? (building, floor, room, etc.)
- When will it go off?
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- What will make it explode?
- Did you place the bomb?
- Why?
- What is your name?
- Attempt to identify any characteristics of the caller and their location, such as age, gender, voice, background noise, etc.
If the caller hangs up, DO NOT HANG UP YOUR RECEIVER, call University Police at 956-882-4911 from a different phone to provide information and await instructions.
Related links:
- Bomb Threat (flyer)