Bomb Threat or Suspicious Object, Emergency Response Guidelines


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Bomb Threat/Suspicious Object
If you receive a telephone bomb threat:

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. You can display the number of the caller on many Ball State phones by pressing the "Inspt" button under the display panel.
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 285-1111 to notify 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:

Do not touch the object.
Move people away from the object.
Do not use portable radio equipment or cell phones within 100 feet of the suspicious object.
Dial 911 or 285-1111 immediately to notify University Police.
Follow police instructions precisely.
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 University Police officers since you are more likely to notice something out of the ordinary in your own area or facility.