Bomb Threat or Suspicious Object Response Guidelines

If you have concerns about a suspicious object or receive a bomb threat, call Public Safety immediately. 

Suspicious Object

  • Report items or behavior that seem out of place
  • You don’t need proof. Concerns are enough
  • Early reporting helps prevent escalation
  • It’s always okay to report something that “just doesn’t feel right” 
  • Unattended or abandoned items
  • Objects that don’t belong in the location
  • Items with wires, excessive tape, or unusual markings
  • Strange odors, sounds, or leaking substances
  • No clear owner or explanation 
Safety poster titled ‘Suspicious Mail or Packages.’ It shows a damaged brown package and an envelope covered with U.S. flag stamps and handwritten markings. Callouts highlight warning signs such as excessive postage, misspelled words, no return address, strange odors, excessive tape, and rigid or lopsided packaging. Text instructions advise: stop, do not handle; isolate immediately; do not open, smell, or taste; activate an emergency plan; and notify a supervisor.
  • Move a safe distance away
  • Notify Public Safety immediately
  • Share what you observed and where
  • Follow instructions from authorities 
  • Do not touch, move, or open the object
  • Do not investigate or try to identify the object
  • Do not share unverified or speculative information 
  • Leave calmly and quickly
  • Avoid using elevators unless directed
  • Move away from buildings and remain clear of the area 

Bomb Threat

  • Stay calm and take the threat seriously
  • Do not investigate or search for a device
  • Follow official instructions and alerts 
  • Do not delete or forward the message
  • Do not respond to the sender
  • Preserve the message if possible
  • Notify Public Safety immediately
  • Do not touch or move suspicious items
  • Do not activate fire alarms unless instructed
  • Do not share unverified or speculative information
  • Do not assume the threat is a hoax 
  • Leave calmly and quickly
  • Avoid elevators unless directed
  • Move away from buildings and remain clear of the area