Bombs can be constructed to look like almost anything and can be placed or delivered in any number of ways. The probability of finding a bomb that looks like the stereotypical bomb is almost nonexistent. The only common denominator that exists among bombs is that they are designed or intended to explode.

Most bombs are homemade and are limited in their design only by the imagination of, and resources available to, the bomber. If you receive or discover a suspicious package or foreign device:

• Do not, under any circumstances, touch it, tamper with it or move it!
• Report it immediately to University Police by calling 9-911

For additional information, please refer to: "Tips for Identifying a Bomb in the Mail"

Bomb threats are usually conveyed via telephone and generally made by individuals who want to create an atmosphere of general anxiety or panic. All bomb threats should be assumed to pose a legitimate danger to the UW-Milwaukee campus population.

If you receive a bomb threat by telephone:

• Take the caller seriously, but remain calm.
• Ask a lot of questions. Use the checklist below as a guide.
• Take notes on everything said and on your observations about background noise, voice characteristics, etc.
• If possible, get a co-worker to call the University Police emergency phone line (Dial x9-911 from any hard-wired campus phone or 229-9911 from a cellphone) while you continue talking to the caller.
• Call the University Police emergency phone number at x9-911 from any campus hard-wired phone or 229-9911 from a cellphone immediately after the call.
• Notify your supervisor/department head.
• University Police will be dispatched to your area to investigate and evaluate the threat. University Police will provide detailed instructions upon arrival.