Staying safe from a terrorist incident

Terror-related incidents are very rare in the UK, but it’s still a good idea to understand what you need to know and what you can do.

Experiencing a terrorist act or other large-scale violent incident

RUN HIDE TELL

You should only give first aid to others if it is safe for you to do so. When the emergency services arrive, follow their instructions if they tell you to leave the area.

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, but don’t let their indecision slow you down
leave belongings behind
do not attempt to film the incident. Run

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 can go through glass, brick, wood and metal.

You must still Hide, even if you are behind a locked door:

find cover from gunfire behind substantial brickwork or heavy reinforced walls
be aware of exits
try not to get trapped
be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate
lock and barricade
move away from the door.

Tell

When it is safe to do so, Tell by calling 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:

nature of the incident – what is happening?
location – where is the incident taking place? give an address or general location
suspects – 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.

What you can do

Find out more

You can read more about the Run, Hide, Tell guidance issued by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office.

You can also read their guidance on first-aid awareness and watch the ‘First Aid During A Terrorist Attack’ video.

Learn first aid

Learning first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most useful things you can do.

Not only can you use these skills in the event of a terror attack, you never know when you might need them for a domestic emergency at home or the workplace – you might even save the life of a loved one.

First aid training is provided by a number of charities and commercial organisations.

You can find the right training for you by searching online for ‘first aid training’.