Bomb Threat

How quickly and safely you react to a bomb threat could save lives, including your own.

Guidelines For Handling a Bomb Threat

Report the Threat Immediately

On Campus: Call University Police at 716-645-2222

Off Campus / Downtown Campus: Call 911

Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information with this checklist.

Review the Department of Homeland Security Bomb Threat Checklist
  • Keep the caller on the phone 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.
  • If the caller does not indicate the location of the bomb or the time of possible detonation, ask for this information.
  • 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.
  • Pay particular attention to background noises, which may give a clue as to the location of the caller.
  • Listen closely to the voice (male or female), voice tone (calm or excited), accents and speech impediments. Immediately after the caller hangs up, report the call. Law enforcement personnel will want to talk firsthand with the person who received the call.
  • Report the threat immediately to the appropriate agencies. If it's on campus, call University Police at 716-645-2222.

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