Here’s the big difference between how British people and Americans are told to respond to terror

What do British and American governments advise citizens to do in an ongoing firearms or weapons incident – such as a terrorist attack?

The advice issued by America’s Department of Homeland Security and Britain’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office is broadly similar – but for one key detail.

The advice issued in Britain is, ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ – with Tell meaning that people should dial 999 and contact the police.

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In America, the advice is, ‘Run, Hide, Fight,’ with the Department of Homeland Security advising citizens to fight, ‘As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger.’

Citizens are advised to, ‘Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter.’

The slogans (on both sides of the pond) originate from campaigns by security agencies, and have been used in advice videos explaining how to react to an attack.

Both sets of advice have much in common – including advising against negotiating with an attacker.

In an American ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ video, citizens are shown disarming a shooter by attacking him with chairs and fire extinguishers.

The DHS also advises citizens to call 911 (for the emergency services) where possible.

In Britain, the advice is based on ‘case studies and real life testimony based on the experiences of people who have survived attacks.’

NACTSO’s advice says, ‘Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go, then hide.

‘It’s better to hide than to confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally and only when it is safe to do so… Tell the police by calling 999.’

NACTSO points out that such incidents remain extremely rare in the UK.