Bomb Threat and Explosion
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Procedures and Guidelines
A bomb threat is usually a verbal or written threat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device that can cause property damage, death, or injuries. Most of these threats are intended to cause disruption, revenge, or to play a practical joke, rather than warn of a real device.
In the event of a campus bomb threat, updates will be sent through LU alerts and university email. Follow all instructions provided by university leadership.
Threatening Call Response Procedures
- Remain calm.
- Keep the caller on the line as long as possible to learn as much as you can. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.
- Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.
- Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.
- Have a coworker call LU Emergency Communications at (434) 592-3911 or 911 while you continue to speak with the caller.
- If you can, activate caller ID and note whatever the telephone displays.
- Make a detailed, written record of the call. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words. Refer to the Bomb Threat Checklist (PDF) for a complete list of information to capture.
- Notify your supervisor.
- If the threat was left on voicemail, DO NOT erase it.
- DO NOT activate the building alarm system to evacuate.
Threatening Email or Written Bomb Threat Response Procedures
- Immediately call LU Emergency Communications at (434) 592-3911 or 911.
- DO NOT delete the e-mail or destroy the written threat.
- DO NOT activate the building alarm system to evacuate.
- Forward the e-mail as directed by law enforcement.
- The threat should never be ignored. Once a threat is recognized, unnecessary handling should be avoided to preserve evidence for law enforcement investigation.
Suspicious Letter or Package Response Procedures
- Remain calm.
- Get to a safe location to notify law enforcement immediately by calling dialing LU Emergency Communications at (434) 592-3911 or 911.
- Move people away from the package and limit access to the area.
- DO NOT move or open the package.
- DO NOT investigate too closely.
- DO NOT cover, insulate, or place the package into a cabinet or drawer.
- Clear the area and report to the building’s emergency assembly area.
Suspicious Letter or Package Indicators
- Excessive postage and/or weight
- Misspellings of common words
- Rigid envelope
- Foreign mail, airmail, or special delivery
- Handwritten or poorly typed mailing address
- Restrictive markings such as “confidential” or “personal”
- Excessive securing: uses excess amounts of masking tape, string, etc.
- Incorrect titles, or titles without names present
- Oily stains or discoloration
- Visual distractions
- Lopsided or uneven
- No return address
- Protruding wires or tinfoil
Pranks and Hoaxes
The university and law enforcement authorities take postal threats very seriously. Pranks or hoaxes involving false threats of biological agents or acts of terror disrupt lives and the university’s sense of normalcy, create serious safety concerns, and tax valuable university and community resources. They create illegitimate alarm in a time of legitimate concern. Any individual found responsible for such acts will be subject to university disciplinary action, up to and including separation from the university, as well as prosecution under State and Federal law.
Explosion Response Procedures
- Remain calm.
- Get out of the building as quickly and calmly as possible.
- Call LU Emergency Communications at (434) 592-3911 or 911.
- If items are falling off bookshelves or from the ceiling, get under a sturdy table or desk.
- If there is a fire, stay low to the floor and exit the building as quickly as possible.
- DO NOT use the elevators. Use handrails in stairwells; stay to the right.
- Assist others in exiting the building and moving to your building’s emergency assembly area.
- If you are outside, you should stay outside. Move quickly to your building’s emergency assembly area.
- Wait for and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Keep streets and walkways clear for emergency vehicles and crews.
- If you are trapped in debris, tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can hear where you are.
- Persons without proper training should not attempt to rescue people who are inside a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.
- Seek updated information and further instructions.
- Online, visit LUPD home page at liberty.edu/lupd.
- By phone, call LU Emergency Communications at (434) 592-7641.
- Watch or listen to local media outlets.
- Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.
- Student Counseling Services: (434) 582-2651
- Horizon Wellness Center: (434) 477-5000. After Hours Emergency: (434) 522-8191