In Blog

With the UK still on a high terror threat level its always good to remember to stay vigilant, especially over the busy Christmas period. That is why the UK’s Counter-Terrorism Policing unit has put together a simple plan of instructions, should you find yourself in a rare event of a firearms or weapons attack.

Run

In the event of a terror attack, your first point of call should be to run. Create distance from the event and yourself as quickly as possible and find a place of safety. This is a far better option than staying, surrendering and attempting to negotiate with the terrorists.

  • If you can, Escape
  • Consider the safest options
  • Is there a safe route?
  • Can you get away without exposing yourself to a greater threat?
  • Insist others leave with you
  • Leave belongings behind

If there is nowhere to run, then ideally you should…

Hide

If running isn’t your immediate option then hiding is your next best solution. If you’re in a situation where you do need to hide, it’s essential that you turn your phone on silent, and that includes turning off vibrate. If it’s possible to barricade yourself in.

  • 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

Once you feel like you’re safe then your final option is to…

Tell

Call the authorities by dialling 999 on the nearest phone. Any information you can give about the incident could help the police quickly dispatch units and end the confrontation quickly.

  • 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

Police Response

Once you have reported the incident, it is likely you will have an interaction with the police. These officers, sometimes armed will perhaps react in a way that you may not expect, for example pointing firearms at you and ordering instructions at you.

They are here to help you and also keep themselves safe, they are trained to do this. This is also keep panic to a minimum and gets you out as safely as possible, so follow all the officer’s instructions to get out of the situation safely.

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

Police Officers Might…

  • 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

The Stay Safe Film

News about attacks at home and abroad remind us that the threat of terrorism is still real. While Police and security agencies work hard every day to keep the public protected, it’s important that communities remain vigilant and are aware of how to protect themselves if an event happens.

The UK’s National Counter Terrorism policing unit is providing helpful advice at this busy time of the year, in the rare event that a weapons or firearms attack happens.

With that said, the police have released a short public film called “Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attacks”, which lays out key steps to keeping safe, should the worst happen. You can watch it below

The intention of the film is not the scare the public into thinking a terrorist attack is imminent, but to remind them to stay say in key target areas.