Initial Response
- Upon receiving a bomb threat, the call taker must gather as much information as possible, guided by the “Bomb Threat Procedures for OTC” document..
- Immediately notify the Safety and Security Department at extension 6911.
- Safety and Security will then contact the fire marshal by calling 911, which serves both emergency and non-emergency requests in Springfield and Greene County.
Policy on Evacuation
- OTC’s policy is to not evacuate buildings solely on the basis of a bomb threat unless there is credible evidence of an actual bomb on campus.
- A thorough search will be conducted in the mentioned building or across the campus if no specific location is given. This search includes Safety and Security officers, maintenance, custodial, and grounds personnel, along with the fire marshal.
Evacuation Procedures
- If evacuation is deemed necessary, Safety and Security will inform the responsible individuals of the affected building.
- Instructors, staff, and students will be directed to designated assembly areas and are advised to take all personal belongings to assist in identifying suspicious items.
- Everyone is encouraged to report anything unusual in their area to Safety and Security.
Designated Assembly Areas
- Assembly areas are not pre-assigned to avoid confusion and potential danger, such as an ambush set by a perpetrator.
- The exact assembly areas will be communicated by Safety and Security personnel at the time of evacuation, determined by the current situation and in consultation with the fire marshal.
- These areas will be inspected for safety before being occupied.
Special Considerations
- Individuals with mobility impairments should be familiar with specific evacuation procedures tailored to their needs, as outlined in the “Procedures for Evacuating People with a Mobility Impairment.“
Contact Information
- For more details on this policy or related procedures, contact the Director of Safety and Security at 417-447-6911.
Updated: 2/28/2024