What should you do in a terrorist attack? Official UK security advice

UK security chiefs advise members of the public who get caught up in a terrorist incident to ‘run, hide and tell’ - guidance which they say can be applied to any place.

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (Nactso) published the advice on what to do in a gun and bomb attack in the wake of the terrorist atrocities in Paris in November 2015.

RUN

“Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate,” Nactso say. 

• Escape if you can

• Consider the safest options

• Is there a safe route? RUN if not HIDE

• Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?

• Insist others leave with you

• Leave belongings behind

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,” the advice says.

• If you cannot RUN, HIDE

• Find cover from gunfire

• If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you

• Cover from view does not mean you are safe, bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal

• Find cover from gunfire e.g. substantial brickwork / heavy reinforced walls

• Be aware of your exits

• Try not to get trapped

• Be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate

• Lock / barricade yourself in

• Move away from the door

TELL

Tell the police by calling 999.

• Call 999 - What do the police need to know? If you cannot speak or make a noise listen to the instructions given to you by the call taker

• Location - Where are the suspects?

• Direction - Where did you last see the suspects?

• Descriptions – Describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons etc.

• Further information – Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages etc.

• Stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so

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“The police service is working tirelessly to confront the terrorist threat we all face. To do this we need the help of the public,” says the National Counter Terrorism unit.

“We need them to be alert, but not alarmed. We need them to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency dial 999.”

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