In Case of Bomb Threats...

* Remain calm and do not panic others.

* If a written message is received, keep track of the following information:

1. Who found it.
2. Who else was present.
3. Where was it found or how was it delivered.
4. When was it found or delivered.
5. Who touched it.
6. Have any previous threats been received.

* If the threat is received by telephone, in a calm voice, try to obtain as much information as possible about the bomb and the caller: (KEEP A BOMB THREAT CARD UNDER YOUR PHONE AND USE IT IF A CALL COMES IN.)

1. Date and exact time of call
2. Time set to explode
3. Which building is it in
4. Where it is
5. Type of bomb
6. Estimated age and gender of the caller
7. Emotional state: agitated, calm, excited
8. Background noises: traffic, music, voices
9. Why it was set
10. Who is the target
11. Who is the caller

* If practical, do not hang up the phone, but phone the police from a different telephone. Call 5911 and report the threat.

* The Administration, with the assistance of Campus Police and other local authorities, will determine a plan of action. A decision on whether or not to evacuate will be based on all available information received.

* If the decision is made to evacuate, instruct occupants to take lunches, purses, personal packages (they could be mistaken for concealed explosives) and EXIT the building.

* If ordered to evacuate, move at least 300 feet away from the building to designated evacuation area and wait for instructions. Stay away from glass.

Bomb Threat: Identifying Suspicious Items

* Look closely around work area when you arrive for work. This will help you if you are called on to identify unusual or suspicious items later.

* Report potential safety or security problems to University Police ext. 2626.

* Be on the lookout for anything unusual, particularly packages or large items seemingly left behind or thrown out. Note time and location of anything odd.

* If asked to assist in a search for a bomb:

1. Be thorough
2. DO NOT USE 2-WAY RADIOS OR CELL PHONES
3. Do not touch anything you suspect
4. If necessary move people away from the suspicious item
5. Look for anything and everything that might conceal a bomb
6. Do not panic persons in the area

* Follow all instructions from the police.

Identifying Suspicious Mail Packages

* No return address
* Insufficient postage
* Is addressee familiar with name and address of sender?
* Is addressee expecting package/letter? If so, verify contents.
* Return address and postmark are not from same area.
* Wrapped in brown paper w/ twine
* Grease stains or discoloration on paper
* Strange odors
* Foreign Mail, Air Mail and Special Delivery
* Restrictive markings such as Confidential, Personal, etc.
* Excessive postage
* Hand written or poorly typed addresses
* Incorrect titles
* Titles but no names
* Misspellings of common words
* Excessive weight
* Rigid envelope
* Lopsided or uneven envelope
* Protruding wires or tinfoil
* Excessive securing material such as masking tape, string, etc.
* Visual distractions

You may send comments to univpol@fiu.edu or call 305-348-2623.

Posted September, 2001, University Police