Bomb Threats and Discovered Devices - Information, Procedure and Advice

Information
Birmingham has not been free of the specter of bombs or bomb threats, but UAB has had the fortune to have only experienced bomb threats in the past twenty years. The number of threats in the past ten years can be counted on one hand. Certified experts trained in handling bomb threats or found found devices are either always present or on immediate call to handle a response on this campus.

Bomb threats are normally made over the telephone to an unsuspecting person at the least likely of times. When this happens, the procedure for recording the threat, immediately calling the University Police, and assisting in the investigation should happen like clock work. Historically, threats have strictly been threats, and usually that is all the caller intends.

Discovered devices are usually preceded by a called or otherwise communicated threat, and usually under those circumstances. If a device is suspected, procedures should be followed immediately.

Letter bombs pose a threat, but all incoming mail, entering thorough the UAB Post Office, is screened with large x-ray machines by professionally trained Post Office personnel. If a letter bomb is suspected, procedure should be followed immediately.

Summary: Actual bombs or explosives have been and will remain rare. But there is always the potential for one to occur.

Call the University Police, advise you immediate supervisor, stay calm, and follow procedure.

Procedure
When a bomb threat is called in, record all the pertinent information using the
bomb threat checklist*.

Do not hang up the telephone. This is extremely important in conducting an investigation, or locating an actual device.

Be calm, be courteous, listen. Do not interrupt the initial message of the caller. If possible, notify your supervisor immediately by a pre-arranged signal while the caller is on the line.

ALWAYS CALL THE UNIVERSITY POLICE. NEVER ASSUME THE CALL IS A HOAX.

Do not advise anyone else of the threat except for your immediate supervisor. Check your immediate area for a package or item which does not belong. Stay calm and wait for the arrival of the Police. They will consider the facts and conduct a complete investigation.

If you find a potential device, or are advised of a potential location of a device, immediately call the University Police. Don't touch or move the device.

If you suspect a letter bomb, follow the same procedure for finding a possible or real device.

Advice
1. Call the University Police and notify your supervisor immediately.
2. Talk to no one, other than instructed by your supervisor or the Police.
3. Remain calm under all circumstances.
4. If an evacuation is required, please be patient.