Emergency Response Plans
Level 2: Bomb Threat
Annex: Bomb Threat Response Plan
Department: All Campus Departments
Departmental Emergency Contact: Campus Police
A. Purpose:
The purpose of this plan is to establish the policy and procedures to be followed
in the event of a bomb threat to the university. Whether this threat is received via
telephone or through other means, quick, decisive action by all employees will help
minimize potential loss of life, injury, destruction of university property, and disruption
of scheduled activities.
B. Priorities:
In the event this incident occurs, Campus Police officers will work with Facility
Management personnel to search and identify any suspicious packages or items construed
to be of explosive nature.
If an explosive device is found, the Critical Incident Management Team will be activated
and begin working towards facilitating and coordinating updates and communication
for all recovery plans related to the functional areas of the university.
C. Expectations for Employees and Students:
In the event of a bomb threat the faculty, staff, and students should respond according
to the information provided by first responders and any of the emergency notification
systems.
If an employee or student receives the actual bomb threat, they should respond as
follows:
- Call 323-3333 or come to Campus Police to report the incident
- Evacuate the building when instructed by Campus Police, Residence Life, or the designated
Building Coordinator
- Complete a bomb information report sheet that will be provided by Campus Police
- Await further orders from Campus Police or the Emergency Notification System
D. Communications:
Winthrop University may communicate with the campus community by any of the following
means:
- ALERTUS Notification System — Beacons within campus buildings, also includes instant
messaging system for the campus' networked computers
- WU Alert - Blackboard Connect text/SMS and voice messages for all subscribers
- E-mail — Messages to faculty/staff/student distribution lists
- Web — Updates on www.winthrop.edu and detailed information on www.winthrop.edu/emergency
- Campus Alert Line — Recorded message on 803/323-2222 with detailed information, primarily
for individuals without access to a mobile device, computer, etc.
- Face to Face — Direct contact by emergency responders
- Runner — Group contact by individuals moving from area to area
- Media - Communication via local radio and television stations
E. Responsibility and Control:
When a bomb threat is received the Chief of Campus Police or designee will act as
the coordinator for all activities in the emergency area. The coordinator, upon receiving
notification of a bomb threat will:
- Advise the Vice Presidents of Student Affairs and Finance and Business. The Vice President
of Student Affairs will notify other parties as appropriate.
- If necessary, notify Rock Hill Police, Rock Hill Fire, the Rock Hill Bomb Unit, FBI,
and SLED.
- Appoint and supervise a search team for the emergency area.
- Identify a "Hot Zone" and set up inner and outer perimeters.
- Evacuate the emergency area if necessary.
- If a device is found, re-evaluate the perimeters and notify the Bomb Unit.
- Determine the safety and security of the area so normal activities can resume.
F. Emergency and Training Plans:
When a bomb threat is received, the Chief of Campus Police or designee will act as
the coordinator for all activities in the emergency area. The coordinator, upon receiving
notification of a bomb threat will:
- Advise the Vice Presidents of Student Affairs and Finance and Business. The Vice President
of Student Affairs will notify other parties as appropriate.
- If necessary, notify Rock Hill Police, Rock Hill Fire, the Rock Hill Bomb Unit, FBI,
and SLED.
- Appoint and supervise a search team for the emergency area.
- Identify a "Hot Zone" and set up inner and outer perimeters.
- Evacuate the emergency area if necessary.
- If a device is found, re-evaluate the perimeters and notify the Bomb Unit.
- Determine the safety and security of the area so normal activities can resume.