Initial Actions
A suspicious-looking box, package, object or container in or near your work area may be a bomb or explosive material. Do not handle or touch the object. Move to a safe area and call the University Police immediately at 911 (from a campus phone) or 607-777-2393 (from any phone). Use a telephone in a safe area. Do not operate any power switch and do not activate the fire alarm.
If There Is An Explosion:
- Take cover under sturdy furniture or leave the building if directed to do so by emergency responders.
- Stay away from windows.
- Do not light matches.
- Move well away from the site of the hazard to a safe location.
- Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
- Call University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 607-777-2393 (from any phone). Follow "General Evacuation Procedures," Section 12.
If You Receive a Bomb Threat (via telephone):
- If you receive a threatening call (bomb or other physical harm, etc.) do not hang up. Have someone else call the University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 607-777-2393 (from any phone) if possible. Attempt to engage the caller in conversation and obtain as much information as possible.
- Stay calm and keep your voice calm.
- Pay close attention to details. Talk to the caller to obtain as much information as possible.
Take notes. Ask questions:
- What exactly is the threat?
- When will it explode?
- Where was the bomb left?
- Where is it right now?
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb is it?
- Who placed the bomb?
- Who is the target?
- Why was the bomb placed?
- What is your address?
- What is your name?
Observe the caller's speech:
- Is the voice familiar in any way?
- Male or female?
- Young or old?
- Speech patterns (Accent? Stutter?)
- Emotional state (Angry? Agitated? Calm?)
- Background noise (traffic, people talking and accents, music and type, etc.)
Write down other data:
- Date and time of call
- How threat was received (letter, note, telephone)
Call University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 607-777-2393 (from any phone) and submit your notes from the telephone call or the bomb threat (letter or note).
Follow University Police instructions.
If You Receive a Bomb Threat (via E-mail, Letter or Note):
If you receive a bomb threat via e-mail, letter or note, telephone University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 607-777-2393 (from any phone) and save note as evidence to be turned in to University Police.
In any bomb threat situation:
- Check your work area for unfamiliar items. Do not touch suspicious items; report them to University Police at 911 (from a campus phone) or 607-777-2393 (from any phone).
- Take personal belongings when you leave.
- Leave doors and windows open; do not turn light switches on or off.
- Use stairs only; do not use elevators.
- Move well away from the building and follow instructions from emergency responders.
