Bomb Threat Guidelines

Bomb threats are assumed to be real and considered a threat to the university and its operations. If an explosion occurs at any time, immediately report the explosion by calling VSUPD at (804) 524-5411 (or 911 if off-campus).

What to Do If You Receive A Bomb Threat?

Incident bomb threats are usually received by telephone, sometimes by note or letter. Most bomb threats are made by callers who want simply to create an atmosphere of anxiety and panic - but all calls must be taken seriously. If you receive a threat of any kind, immediately CALL (804) 524-5411 (or 911 if off-campus). If possible, get a coworker to do this while you continue talking with the caller. Permit the caller to say as much as possible without interruption. THEN ask a lot of questions:

• Where is the bomb?
• When is the bomb going to go off?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What does the bomb look like?
• What will cause the bomb to go off?

Record What You Hear

Take notes on everything said and on your observations about background noise, voice characteristics, caller's emotional state, etc. Use the Bomb Threat Checklist. Write down the caller's exact words. Also, record the exact time that the call was received as well as the following information about the caller:

• The perceived sex, age, accent, and education of the caller.
• The location of the caller and any background noises that you hear.
• A description of the caller's attitude.
• A description of the caller's style of speech, speech impediments, or speech traits.

Trained emergency personnel will advise you if evacuation is necessary. Follow the instructions provided through the VSU Emergency Communications System.

If a Suspicious Item is Found:

A suspicious item is any bag, vehicle, or another object (s) “that is reasonably believed to contain explosives, an improvised explosive device (IED), or other hazardous material that requires a bomb technician to evaluate it further. Anything considered HOT – Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical – should be deemed suspicious. Examples include:

• unexplainable wires, electronics, metal foil, or strings;
• unusual sounds, vapors, mists, or odors;
• unexplained placement of an item near people or a valuable asset;
• unusual or unexpected point of origin; • unreadable address or no return address;
• errors in the company address or title(s);
• markings such as “personal,” “to be opened only by,” or “do not delay delivery;”
• envelops or packages with unusual weight, thickness, or size; • excessive postage;
• makeshift labels or disguised script;
• a feeling of springiness or rigidity;
• oily or greasy stains on the packaging or tape; or
• an unbalanced or lopsided letter or parcel.

If the item appears suspicious: 

• Remain calm;
• Do not touch, tamper with, or move the package, bag, or item; and
• Notify your supervisor and VSU Police and explain why the item appears suspicious.

Considerations to note:

• Not all items are suspicious:
• An unattended item is anything (e.g., bag, package, vehicle) not in someone’s possession and where there are no obvious signs of being suspicious (see above), especially if no threat was received.