Most bomb threats are hoaxes; however, any bomb threat must be taken seriously and treated as a real emergency and credible threat. The potential for serious injury and damage makes even a threat a very serious incident.
Threat Received By Phone
The majority of bomb threats are made by phone. The person receiving a bomb threat over the phone should pay particular attention to the information the caller gives and pay attention to background sounds.
- Stay calm. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible and make notations about what is said
- If your phone has caller ID, record the number
- If possible, get the attention of someone else and have them call Public Safety at 217.245.3111.
Bomb Threat Checklist
If a bomb threat is received by phone, the person receiving the call should try to obtain the following information:
- Time of call
- Location of the bomb (building, room, etc.)
- time the bomb is set to go off
- What does it look like?
- What kind of bomb?
- What will make it explode?
- Did you place the bomb?
- If yes, why?
- Exact words of threat
- Male or female caller
- Voice characteristics (Do they sound familiar, age, tone, irrational or well-spoken?)
Threat Received by Email
- Immediately call Public Safety at 217.245.3111
- Forward the email threat to Public Safety at icsecurity@ic.edu / DO NOT DELETE EMAIL
Suspicious Package
If you are within 300' of a suspicious package, do not use a cell phone, cordless phone or walkie-talkie because it may trigger an explosion. DO NOT TOUCH THE PACKAGE, TAMPER IT OR MOVE IT. EVACUATE THE AREA AND CALL 217.245.3111.