Bomb Threat

If you are in danger or feel threatened, call 911 or contact Campus Public Safety

DeLand Campus: 386-822-7300

Gulfport Campus and Tampa Law Center: 727-343-1262

Bomb threats are rare, but they should always be taken seriously. The Department of Homeland Security has released resources that will train you on what to do if you receive a phoned-in bomb threat. How quickly and safely you react to a bomb threat could save lives, including your own. What should you do?

  • Remain calm.
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately and report a bomb threat to local law enforcement providing as much detail as you can.
  • Follow law enforcement instructions.
  • Evacuate the area and seek protective cover from the bomb and potential debris—these are the best ways to avoid injury.
  • Do not approach or inspect suspicious items or unattended packages.
  • Do not congregate near the incident scene as onlookers may impede first responders and law enforcement.

If a bomb threat is received:

  • Stay calm.
  • If your phone has caller ID, record the number displayed.
  • Gain the attention of someone else close by, point to this information and have that person call Campus Public Safety. This call should be made out of hearing range from the caller.
  • Try to keep the caller on the phone long enough to complete the bomb threat check sheet below.
  • Ask check sheet questions.
  • Work with arriving Public Safety or emergency personnel to assist them in evaluating the situation.
  • Assist emergency responders if requested.
  • Provide for an orderly evacuation only when ordered by Public Safety or emergency personnel.

Bomb Threat Check Sheet

  • Exact time of call
  • Phone number displayed
  • Exact words of caller

Questions to ask

  1. When is the bomb going to explode?
  2. Where is the bomb?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. What kind of bomb is it?
  5. What will cause it to explode?
  6. Did you place the bomb?
  7. Why?
  8. Where are you calling from?
  9. What is your address?
  10. What is your name?

The following will help to describe the caller's voice and state of mind:

  • Was the caller's voice: calm, disguised, nasal, angry, deep, or broken
  • Did the caller: stutter, speak slowly, speak sincerely, have a lisp, speak rapidly
  • Was the caller: giggling, crying, excited, stressed, excited
  • Did the caller have an accent?
  • Did the caller: speak loudly, slur his/her words, speak normally
  • If the caller's voice sounded familiar, who did it sound like?
  • Were there any background noises?

Please specify any other information that could help identify the caller, as well as the name of the person who received the call, the telephone number where the call was received and the date the call was received.