Bomb Threat - First Receiver Quick Guide
Audience: Student employees, receptionists, front-desk staff, administrative staff, supervisors
Purpose: Simple, immediate guidance for individuals who may receive a bomb threat by phone, email, message, or in person.
If You Receive a Bomb Threat
1. Stay Calm
- Take a breath and focus on the steps below.
- Your role is to report, not to investigate.
2. Do Not Investigate or Share
- Do not attempt to verify the threat.
- Do not search for a device.
- Do not forward emails or messages to others.
3. Preserve the Threat
- Phone call: Keep the caller on the line if it feels safe to do so.
- Email or message: Do not delete it. Do not reply.
- Written note or package: Do not touch it.
If possible, preserve the message exactly as received.
4. Call for Help Immediately
- Call 911
- Call BYU–Hawaii Campus Security: (808) 675-3911
If you cannot make the calls yourself, signal a nearby staff member to help.
5. If the Caller Is Speaking and It Feels Safe
Only if the situation allows, try to note:
- Where the device is located
- When it is supposed to go off
- How the threat was delivered (call, email, note)
Do not ask questions if it increases risk or stress.
6. Follow Instructions
- Follow directions from law enforcement and Campus Security.
- Evacuate only if instructed.
- Stay available to provide information when requested.
If You See a Suspicious Item
- Do not touch, move, or open it.
- Move away from the area.
- Call 911, then Campus Security at (808) 675-3911.
- Warn others nearby if safe to do so.
Important Reminders
- Bomb threats are rare, but must always be taken seriously.
- You are not expected to handle this alone.
- Help is on the way once you report.
Keep this guide accessible at front desks and shared workspaces.