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Bomb Threat/ Terrorism

​​The University of Houston Downtown continually monitors and is prepared to respond to bomb threats/terroristic activities.  During a bomb threat, UHD Police Department (PD) is the lead department and will investigate all reports of bomb threats on campus.  UHD PD will coordinate the response with partner law enforcement agencies and other first responders as needed.  All bomb threats are considered serious until proven otherwise.   Notifications for public viewing will be published to the ​​UHD Home Page, UHD Facebook, UHD Twitter, and UHD Alerts ​on Twitter.    ​

Bomb threats are mostly received via phone, but are also made in person, via email, written note, or other means. Every bomb threat is unique and should be handled in the context of the facility or environment in which it occurs. Law enforcement will be in the best position to determine the credibility of the threat. The UHD Police Department has developed a Bomb Threat Checklist (Bomb Threat ​Checklist​) to be used in the event that someone ​places a bomb threat against any property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by UHD. 

 

 

What to do 

  • Remain calm. 

  • Notify authorities immediately: 

  • Call 911 or your local law enforcement. 

  • Refer to the UHD Bomb Threat Checklist for guidance ​

  • For threats made via phone: 

  • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Be polite and show interest to keep them talking. 

  • DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does. 

  • If possible, signal or pass a note to other staff to listen and help notify authorities. 

  • Write down as much information as possible; caller ID number, exact wording of threat, type of voice or behavior, etc. 

  • ​Record the call, if possible. 

  • For threats made in person, via email, or via written note, contact UHD PD immediately at 713-221-8911 or 911. 

  • Be available for interviews with law enforcement. 

  • Follow the authorities’ instructions. Law enforcement will assess the situation and provide guidance regarding facility lock-down, search, and/or evacuation. ​

 

If you find a suspicious item on or near campus... 

Contact UHD PD immediately at 911 or 713-221-8911. 

Do not handle or touch the suspicious object 

Move to a safe location ​

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If you see something that is suspicious, out of place, or that doesn't look right, say something. (Find out more about the "If You See Something, Say Something®" campaign.) A suspicious item is any item (e.g., bag, package, vehicle, etc.) that is reasonably believed to contain explosives, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), or other hazardous material that requires a bomb technician and/or specialized equipment to further evaluate it. Examples that could indicate a bomb include unexplainable wires or electronics, other visible bomb-like components, and unusual sounds, vapors, mists, or odors. Anything that is Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical (HOT) should be deemed suspicious. In addition, potential indicators for a bomb are threats, placement, and proximity of the item to people and valuable assets. 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

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