Though bomb threats may appear rare – and sometimes false, the landscape of higher education security is evolving rapidly nationwide. Preparedness is paramount, and taking bomb threats seriously until verified by law enforcement is crucial.

Responding to a Bomb Threat

Regardless of how you receive a bomb threat, act quickly and calmly.

Phone

If you receive a bomb threat via telephone:

  • Take the caller seriously.
  • Gain the attention of someone nearby and have the person call the University Police at 713.313.7000.
  • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible by asking questions, such as:
    • When will the bomb explode?
    • Where is it?
    • What does it look like?
    • What kind of bomb is it?
    • What will cause it to explode?
    • Why was it placed in the building?
    • Did you place the bomb?
    • What is your name?
  • Observe the Caller. Try to identify the following about the caller:
    • Caller’s gender
    • Approximate age
    • Voice characteristics, accents, etc. Is the voice familiar?
    • Background noises
    • Treat language-educated, incoherent, foul, taped, read, etc.
    • Take notes on everything said and heard, including background noise, voice characteristics, etc.
  • If the caller hangs up, do not use the telephone on which the threat was received.

Email

If a bomb threat is received by email:

  • Forward the email to tsudps@sanmingzhi.net
  • Call University Police at 713.313.7000
  • Do not delete the message.

Mail

If you receive a suspicious package, letter, or object,

  • Call University Police at 713.313.7000
  • Do not touch it, tamper with it, or move it.
  • Avoid using cell phones or electronic devices near the suspected threat area, as they could potentially trigger explosive devices.
  • If directed by authorities or if you perceive imminent danger, evacuate the area immediately.

Suspicious package characteristics include:

  • Origin. Postmark does not match the city of the return address, name of the sender is unusual or unknown, or no return address given.
  • Balance. The letter is lopsided or unusually thick, the letter or package seems heavy for its size.
  • Contents. Stiffness or springiness of contents; protruding wires or components; oily outer wrappings or envelope; feels like it contains a powdery substance.
  • Smell. Particularly almond or other suspicious odors.
  • Writing. Handwriting indicates a foreign style not normally received, cut-and-past letters or rub on block letters are used. Common words, titles or names are misspelled.

Note

If a bomb threat is received by handwritten note:

  • Handle note as minimally as possible.
  • Call University Police at 713.313.7000