British counterterrorism officials have released information on how best to survive a terror attack.
Officials have given the following specific advice in relation to attacks undertaken with firearms or other weapons.
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 can’t RUN, HIDE
- If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you
- Find cover from gunfire such as substantial brickwork or heavy reinforced walls
- Be aware of your exits
- Try not to get trapped
- Be quiet, silence your phone
- Lock and barricade yourself in
- Move away from the door
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Tell
- Call police: 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
- Provide further information: Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages
- And stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so
- They also warned that when the police do arrive that they may point guns at you and “treat you firmly”. The advice continues:
- When police arrive, they may point guns at you, treat you firmly, question you, and be unable to distinguish you from the attacker.
- You ought to remain calm, keep your hands in view, avoid sudden movements that may appear a threat, and follow officers’ instructions
