BOMB THREATS — DIAL 911

hile bomb threats are not common at the University, they have occurred and can be frightening and disruptive. The University Police have model plans for dealing with such threats which can be adapted to your department. For further information, call 325-2864.

Bomb threats should be reported immediately to the campus EMERGENCY NUMBER (9-1-1).

OU NORMAN CAMPUS
POLICY FOR BOMB THREAT RESPONSE

To minimize the disruptive effects of bomb threats upon the orderly operation of the University and clearly define the duties and responsibilities of those involved in the response to such threats, the following policy is adopted:

1. The OU Police Department will control and coordinate the response to any bomb threat which targets institutional facilities or operations in Norman. Any bomb threat received by any unit located on the Norman Campus will be immediately reported to the University Police by the most expedient means.

 

2. Any device suspected of being or containing explosives will also be immediately reported to the University Police.
    
   1. Under no circumstances will anyone other than properly trained and equipped public safety personnel in any way disturb a suspected explosive device.

3. Evacuation will not be an automatic response to a bomb threat, but is one option which will be employed when circumstances indicate it is necessary.
    
   1. The decision whether to evacuate shall be made by the University Police.
   
    
   2. If evacuation is deemed necessary, the on-scene police supervisor shall coordinate with the senior member of the budget unit or other entity responsible for the captioned facility present, who shall cooperate with and assist the police as directed.
      
      In facilities shared by multiple units, the senior administrator present shall be responsible for assisting the police and coordinating with other heads of unit as necessary.

4. The OU Police Department shall develop a written informational document about bomb threats and the appropriate responses thereto to be updated as necessary, and shall assist individual budget units in developing in-house procedures upon request.
    
   1. Copies of the document shall be distributed once annually to all Executive Officers, Administrative Officers, Deans, Department Heads, and such other administrators and supervisors who have an apparent need to be aware of the same.

SUSPICIOUS MAIL PROCEDURES

• Excessive postage, no postage, or non-canceled postage
• No return address or obvious fictitious return address
• Packages that are unexpected or from someone unfamiliar to you
• Improper spelling of addressee names, titles, or locations
• Packages that are addressed to someone no longer with your organization or are otherwise outdated
• Unexpected envelopes from foreign countries
• Suspicious or threatening messages written on packages
• Postmark showing different location than return address
• Distorted handwriting or cut and paste lettering
• Unprofessionally wrapped packages or excessive use of tape, strings, etc.
• Packages marked as "Fragile - Handle with Care", "Rush - Do Not Delay", "Personal" or "Confidential"
• Rigid, uneven, irregular, or lopsided packages
• Packages that are discolored, oily, or have an unusual odor or ticking sound
• Packages that have any powdery substance on the outside
• Packages with soft spots, bulges, or excessive weight
• Protruding wires or aluminum foil
• Visual distractions

What should I do with a suspicious piece of mail?

• Don’t handle ANY suspicious package if possible.
• If already holding it when you become suspicious, put it down carefully.
• Be careful! Don’t shake it, bump it, taste it, or sniff it.
• Don’t handle a letter or package that you can see, or suspect, is contaminated with powder or liquid.
• If ANY possible contamination is a concern, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Notify the University Police at 325-2864.
• Notify your supervisor and control/limit people entering the room/area where the suspicious package is located.

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