Terrorism/Bomb Threat

Rice University researchers study cutting-edge science and technologies, often including sensitive information others may want to acquire and use maliciously. It is thus vital to look out for and report any suspicious or out-of-the-ordinary activity, trespassers, or objects that seem out of place.

How to Prepare

Across the country, colleges and universities are being asked to change their mindset of how they initially react to a bomb threat. This page offers guidance on how to prepare and respond to a bomb threat.

What to do
  • Be aware of your surroundings and alert to anything out of the norm.
  • If you SEE something, SAY something!
  • Report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement (713-348-6000 or 911) and describe who or what you saw, when you saw it, where it occurred, and why it's suspicious.
If you find a suspicious item
  • Do not touch, tamper with, or move the item
  • Immediately report the item to law enforcement
If you receive a phone threat
  • Do not hang up
  • Copy the number and or letters on the phone's display, if possible
  • Write down the exact wording of the threat Record the call, if possible
  • Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible and use the Bomb Threat Checklist to gather as much information as you can
If you receive a verbal threat
  • If the perpetrator leaves note the direction they went
  • Write down/record the threat exactly as it was communicated
  • Be ready to provide a detailed physical description of the perpetrator to authorities (name if known, race, gender, body type, clothing, hair, eye color, distinguishing features, voice characteristics, etc.)
If you receive a written threat
  • Handle the document as little as possible
  • Rewrite the threat exactly as is on another sheet of paper and note the following:
    • Date/time/location document was found
    • Situations/conditions surrounding the discovery
    • Full names of any persons who saw the threat
  • Secure the original document; do not alter it in any way
    • If small/removable, place in a bag or envelope
    • If large/stationary, secure the location
  • If you receive an email threat:
    • Leave the message open on the computer/device
    • Notify Rice IT, Crisis Management (713-348-6088), and/or RUPD (713-348-6000)
    • Print, photograph, or copy the message and subject line; note the date and time of receipt
Additional Department of Homeland Security resources

DHS See Something, Say Something

DHS Signs of Suspicious Activity

DHS Bomb Threat Checklist

How to recover
  • Follow all law enforcement instructions. Evacuate in the direction they come from unless otherwise instructed.
  • Consider seeking professional counseling to cope with the long-term effects of trauma. Rice University's Wellbeing & Counseling Center provides well-being and mental health counseling for all Rice students. Counseling services for faculty/staff are available through Human Resources' Employee Assistance Program.