Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information with the checklist on this page. Read more about Bomb Threats and Suspicious Packages.

How To Handle A Bomb Threat

Receiving a bomb threat can be scary. Here are some tips on what you can do to handle a bomb threat depending on the method it was received.

By Phone

Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.

Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.

Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.

If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.

If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.

Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words.

Immediately upon termination of the call, do not hang up, but from a different phone, contact Campus Safety and Security or Police department if at the District Office immediately with information and await instructions.

By Handwritten Note

Call the Department of College Safety: (661) 395-4554

Handle note as minimally as possible.

By Email

Call the Department of College Safety: (661) 395-4554

Do not delete the message.

By Suspicious Package

Some indications of a suspicious package are when there is/are:

  • No return address
  • Excessive postage
  • Poor handwriting or misspelled words
  • Incorrect titles
  • Foreign postage
  • Restrictive notes
  • Stains
  • Strange odor
  • Strange sounds
  • Unexpected delivery

Do not use two-way radios or cell phones. Radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb. Do not activate the fire alarm. Do not touch or move a suspicious package.

Contact College Safety

Phone: (661) 395-4554 | Email: collegesafety@bakersfieldcollege.edu | Location: Administrative Services Building (AS)