Procedures for Bomb Threats

All bomb threats are to be taken seriously. Notify the IU Police Department on your campus.

If you receive a bomb threat by phone, remain calm, write down the caller's exact words, and note the time of the call.

Bomb Threat Call Checklist

  1. Time of the call
  2. Length of call
  3. Name of person taking the call
  4. Exact wording of threat
  5. Ask the caller:
    1. When will the bomb explode?
    2. Where is the bomb?
    3. What does it look like?
    4. What will cause it to explode?
    5. What building is it in?
    6. What floor is it on?
    7. What is your name and address?
    8. Did you place the bomb? Why?
  6. Caller: Age & Gender
  7. Background sounds:
    • Clear
    • Cellular phone call
    • PA system
    • Factory noises
    • Restaurant sounds
    • Local call
    • Conversation/Talking
    • Long distance call
    • Traffic
    • Music/TV playing
    • Weather
    • Office sounds
    • Animal/Wildlife noises
  8. Caller's voice:
    • Accent
    • Angry
    • Calm
    • Disguised
    • Familar
    • Laughing
    • Stutter
    • Clearing throat
    • Coughing
    • Cracking voice
    • Crying
    • Deep
    • Deep breathing
    • Distinct
    • Excited
    • Lisp
    • Loud
    • Nasal
    • Ragged
    • Rapid
    • Raspy
    • Slow
    • Soft
  9. Threat language:
    • Incoherent
    • Message read
    • Taped
    • Profane
    • Irrational
    • Well-spoken

If you receive a bomb threat in written form, notify the IU Police Department on your campus unit immediately.

  • Do a quick visual inspection of your area. Do not touch or move suspicious objects.
  • Do not use radios, pagers, or cell phones as they can trigger an explosive device.
  • Follow your department's evacuation procedures.

Related Blog Posts

  • Another Storm Spotter class on an IU campus. Free, informative.
  • Storm Spotter classes are a great way to learn how to read the sky and radar and determine how severe the weather is.
  • If we're the office of Emergency Management and Continuity, why do we talk about the weather so much?

    IU EMC on Twitter

    • IU Notify
    • Be prepared at home