Staff ReporterIts very rare to be injured in a terror attack in the UK . However, as days like past few days remind us, the possibility is there.
If you do find yourself caught up in something, there are certain things you need to remember – such as making sure your phone is switched to silent with vibrate switched off if you are hiding somewhere.
According to Gov.UK, these are the steps you need to take in the event of a terrorist attack involving weapons or firearms.
RUN
- 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
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
Call 999 – What do the police need to know?
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
ARMED POLICE RESPONSE
Follow officers instructions
Remain calm
Can you move to a safer area?
Avoid sudden movements that may be considered a threat
Keep your hands in view
OFFICERS MAY
Point guns at you
Treat you firmly
Question you
Be unable to distinguish you from the attacker
Officers will evacuate you when it is safe to do so
You must STAY SAFE
What are your plans if there were an incident?
What are the local plans? e.g. personal emergency evacuation plan
Suspicious items – Guidance for the public
Do not touch
Try and identify an owner in the immediate area
If you still think it’s suspicious, don’t feel embarrassed or think anybody else will report it
Report it to a member of staff, security, or if they are not available dial 999 (do not use your mobile phone in the immediate vicinity)
Move away to a safe distance – Even for a small item such as a briefcase move at least 100m away from the item starting from the centre and moving out
Remember – If you think it’s suspicious, SAY SOMETHING.
Commuters have previously been told what they should do if there is a terrorist attack at any of the UK’s busiest rail terminals.
A flyer that was published in November 2014 was branded as ‘scaremongering’ tells people to run, hide, and tell.
It shows worried-looking commuters running down stairs, hiding in a dark corner, and calling their relatives accompanied with the caption: ‘If you hear gunfire or a weapons attack, leave the area safely if you can.
‘If this puts you in greater danger, find a safe place to take cover.’
Paul Crowther, chief constable of the British Transport Police (BTP), said passengers using public transport should be alert to the threat of terrorism.
He said: ‘More than six million people travel on our railways every single day.
‘For commuters, who make the same journey over and over again, it can be easy to become oblivious to their surroundings.