BOMB THREAT
PROCEDURES
This quick reference checklist is designed to help employees and decision makers of
commercial facilities, schools, etc. respond to a bomb threat in an orderly and con-
trolled manner with the first responders and other stakeholders.
Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven
otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information with the checklist on
the reverse of this card.
If a bomb threat is received by phone:
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 call, DO NOT HANG UP, but from a different
phone, contact authorities immediately with information and await instructions.
If a bomb threat is received by handwritten note:
Call _____________________________________
Handle note as minimally as possible.
If a bomb threat is received by e-mail:
Call _____________________________________
Do not delete the message.
Signs of a suspicious package:
No return address
Excessive postage
Stains
Strange odor
Strange sounds
Unexpected delivery
Poorly handwritten
Misspelled words
Incorrect titles
Foreign postage
Restrictive notes
* Refer to your local bomb threat emergency response plan
for evacuation criteria
DO NOT:
Use two-way radios or cellular phone. Radio signals have the potential to detonate
a bomb.
Touch or move a suspicious package.
WHO TO CONTACT (Select One)
911
Follow your local guidelines
For more information about this form contact the DHS Office
for Bombing Prevention at OBP@dhs.gov
2014
BOMB THREAT CHECKLIST
DATE
: TIME:
TIME CALLER
HUNG UP:
PHO
NE NUMBER WHERE
CALL RECEIVED:
Ask Caller:
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? Yes No
Why?
What is your name?
Exact Words of Threat:
Information About Caller:
Where is the caller located? (background/level of noise)
Estimated age:
Is voice familiar? If so, who does it sound like?
Other points:
Caller’s Voice
Female
Male
Accent
Angry
Calm
Clearing throat
Coughing
Cracking voice
Crying
Deep
Deep breathing
Disguised
Distinct
Excited
Laughter
Lisp
Loud
Nasal
Normal
Ragged
Rapid
Raspy
Slow
Slurred
Soft
Stutter
Background Sounds
Animal noises
House noises
Kitchen noises
Street noises
Booth
PA system
Conversation
Music
Motor
Clear
Static
Office machinery
Factory machinery
Local
Long Distance
Threat Langua
ge
Incoherent
Message read
Taped message
Irrational
Profane
Well-spoken
Other Informat
ion:
Campus Police 910-674-6428 or 911
Campus Police 910-674-6428 or 911
