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Bomb Threats

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.