Bomb Threats & Terrorism
Bomb Threats
Bombings and the threat of being bombed are harsh realities in today's world. The attack on the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the pipe bomb in Centennial Park during the '96 Olympics, and the fear arising form the destruction of TWA flight 800 off the coast of Long Island has led the public to become more aware of those incidents of violence perpetrated by vicious, nefarious segments of our society through the illegal use of explosives.
Law enforcement agencies are charged with providing protection for life and property, but law enforcement alone cannot stop the destruction that one person can cause with a few pieces of too-easily available equipment. So, every citizen must do his or her part to ensure a safe environment for all of us.
Universities, due to their large populace, diverse interests, and visibility, make tempting targets. If you are the recipient of a bomb threat, complete the following check list as accurately as possible.
Letter Bombs
The FBI wants you to be aware of some things which might tip you off to explosive devices sent through the mails.
Physical Appearance:
- Excessive Postage: Bombers want their targets to get the package. They have a habit of affixing more stamps than necessary to ensure that the device gets through.
- Excessive use of material to secure the package such as masking tape, plain tape, string, etc.
- No Return Address
- Lopsided or uneven envelopes or boxes
- Protruding wires or tinfoil
- Oily stains or strange odors
- Rigid Envelope
- Excessive Weight
Other Visible Clues:
- Incorrect title or Titles without names
- Misspelling of common words
- Restrictive markings such as "personal" or "confidential"
- Poorly typed or written address and name
IN GENERAL if you suspect that you have found a bomb, be it a letter bomb or a device left in some other way TREAT IT AS SUSPECT AND ISOLATE IT!
Have people move away from the device. DO NOT attempt to open or move it. Call 9-1-1 (1-2-3 in the Hospital Complex) and report it. Ask the dispatcher if you should begin evacuating the building (although the "better safe than sorry" rule probably applies). Meet the responding police to direct them to the site.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of Justice defines terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence committed by a group or individual against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
According to the Virginia Crime Prevention Association, terrorism is a politically motivated crime to elicit fear, panic and disorder. Terrorists use many different criminal acts to support their mission including kidnapping, cyber terrorism, illegal drug dealing, identity theft, fraud, burglary and auto theft
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Helpful Links & Info
Additional information can be obtained from the University's Department of Emergency Management at 612-625-8047, and from the FBI and US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Call 911 to report any threats.
The Emergency Procedures Guide is a good campus emergency information desk reference. Download this document for immediate access in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Response Procedures Guide |
