Receiving a Bomb Threat Over the Phone

  1. Keep the caller on the line and attempt to get as much information as possible. Ask for the message to be repeated to confirm it. If possible, record the message.

    • When will the device go off?

    • Where the device is located (including floor)?

    • What the device looks like?

    • What exactly did the caller say?

    • Estimated sex and age of caller?

  2. Observe the caller's voice. Were there any distinctive characteristics of callers speech, accent, or language? Note if the caller's voice was:

    • calm
    • slow
    • loud
    • stutter
    • rapid
    • soft
    • laughter
    • disguised
    • deep breathing
    • accent
    • lisp
    • cracked
    • cough
    • nervous
    • nasal
    • raspy
    • angry
    • excited
    • deep
    • clearing throat
    • normal
    • distinct
    • crying
    • slurred
    • ragged
    • speech impediment
    • whispering
    • familiar (if so, who did it sound like)?
  3. Listen for background noises. Background noises may give a clue as to the location of the caller.

    • street noises
    • animal noises
    • car sounds
    • PA system
    • music
    • crockery
    • factory machinery
    • other machinery
    • other voices
    • house noises
    • no noise at all
    • any other noises
  4. Inform the caller that the building is occupied and the detonation of a bomb could result in death or serious injury to many innocent people.

  5. Immediately after the caller hangs up, call 911 and relay the information you received and have observed.

  6. If the device is on campus, call Public Safety at 319-296-4234.

  7. If evacuation is required, gather all your belongings and leave the building in an orderly fashion and report to your designated emergency assembly point.

  8. Follow instructions of emergency services personnel.

Contact Information

Learn more about the Hawkeye Alert

Police / Fire / Medical / Suspicious Behavior

911

Hawkeye Public Safety

319-296-4234

Hawkeye Alerts and Information

319-296-4444

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