Bomb Threat
For main campus evacuation procedures for a campus-wide bomb threat, click here. Health Science Center campuses will follow their building emergency plans.
A bomb threat is generally defined as a verbal or written threat to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, injuries, or loss of life whether or not such a device actually exists.
Two main reasons someone may call with a bomb threat:
- The person knows of an explosive device that is in place and wants to minimize injuries.
- The person wants to create an environment of panic/confusion or to interrupt normal office/building functions.
Unfortunately, there is often no way to tell which is the motivation of the caller until after a thorough inspection of the building is conducted. This means that there will always be a response to the threat by emergency services personnel (police, fire, and medical).
If you receive a call:
- Immediately after the call is terminated, hang up, obtain dial tone, dial #91, then hang-up (called a trace/trap procedure).
- Note: This trap/trace procedure only works for phones on the Texas A&M phone system with one of the following prefixes: 845-XXXX, 847-XXXX, 862-XXXX, and 458-XXXX.
- Call 911 and the dispatcher will notify law enforcement.
- Document the conversation using the Bomb Threat Checklist.
- Notify the department head/building proctor.
- Meet with and assist law enforcement personnel.
- As directed by law enforcement, help locate/identify suspicious items.
- Evacuate building, as directed (use of public address system preferred or use building fire alarm system).
- Do not re-enter building until cleared by authorized personnel.