Suspicious Packages or Bomb Threat

If you receive or discover a suspicious package or foreign device, Do not touch, tamper with, or move it!!

Immediately report the package to the ASU Police or local law enforcement agency.

Suspicious package

The following list may assist with the detection of letter or parcel bombs or packages that may contain a harmful substance.

• Foreign mail, air mail, and special deliveries.
• Restrictive markings such as “confidential” or “personal”.
• Excessive postage indicating the package is heavy.
• Handwritten or poorly typed address.
• Incorrect titles.
• Misspellings of common words.
• Oily stains or discolorations on package.
• Rigid, lopsided, or uneven envelopes.
• Protruding wires or tinfoil.
• Excessive tape or string.
• Visual distractions.
• No return address.

Handling suspicious packages

Do not:

• Do not sniff, touch, or taste it.
• Do not open or shake it.
• Do not move, carry or show others.

Do:

• Do place on stable surface.
• Do alert others in the area.
• Leave the area, close doors and prevent others from entering by using signs or physical barriers.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Create a list of persons in the room where the package was received.

Bomb threat checklist

By telephone

• Do not hang up!! Remain calm.
• Take the caller seriously.
• Use the questions below as a guide.
• If possible, have someone with you call 911 and take guidance from the police.

Ask:

• When is the bomb going to explode?
• Where is it right now?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Did you place the bomb?
• What is your address?
• What is your name?
• Exact wording of threats?

Caller's voice:

• Calm.
• Nasal.
• Excited.
• Disguised.
• Ragged.
• Rapid.
• Distinct.
• Cracked.
• Slow.
• Deep.
• Deep Breathing.
• Familiar.
• Raspy.
• Soft.
• Crying.
• Loud.
• Clearing throat.
• Accent.
• Angry.
• Laughter.
• Slurred.
• Stutter.
• Normal.
• Lisp.

Background sounds:

• Street noises.
• Factory machinery.
• Animal noises.
• Other voices.
• PA system.
• Static.
• Music.
• Long distance.
• House.
• Motor.
• Office machinery.

If known:

• Male/Female.
• Number at which call was received.
• Number from which call originated.
• Race.
• Approximate age and time.
• Date.
• Additional comments.