How to deal with the terrorist threat ?

In today's world, the sad reality is that terrorist attacks can occur in any city, at any time. These attacks, often motivated by poor governance or other destabilising factors, can take many forms. They can be snipers, stabbings or even ram-vehicles used to injure innocent bystanders. While these situations are frightening and often unpredictable, citizens can take proactive steps to prepare for them. This article aims to provide advice on how to act before, during and after an attack, in order to maximise personal safety and contribute to the collective safety of the community, particularly in the event of an ambush or terrorist attack.

Preventive measures

1. Improving situational awareness Situational awareness is essential in any public place. It means paying attention to your surroundings, noting potential exits and observing the behaviour of people around you. This vigilance is crucial, as it can help you spot the warning signs of a terrorist attack or ambush. While it's essential to make the most of your free time, taking note of escape routes and safe areas in restaurants, concert halls, theatres or shopping centres can make a significant difference in the event of an emergency.

• Stay informed: Follow local news and official safety updates. News of poor governance or regional tensions can sometimes indicate increased risks. Social media and community alert systems can provide real-time information on potential threats, such as an imminent terrorist attack, in your area.
• Identify exits: Every time you enter a public place, make a mental note of at least two exit points. This simple gesture can save you precious seconds if you need to evacuate quickly in the event of an attack, especially if an active shooter is present.
• Observe behaviour: While it's impossible to predict every incident, certain behaviours can indicate problems. If a person seems unusually agitated, suspicious or is acting erratically, it may be wise to monitor their movements and even alert the security services. This vigilance could prevent a terrorist attack or an arrest that gets out of hand.

1. Be aware of your surroundings in public places In busy places such as shopping centres, restaurants or theatres, vigilance is essential to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time, particularly in the event of aterrorist attack. Here are a few tips for dealing with the threat of terrorism:

• • Avoid distractions: Limit distractions, such as excessive phone use, to stay aware of what's going on around you. Constant vigilance is vital to spot any signs of a potential attack, such as an ambush.
  • Stay close to exits: Try to stay in places where exits are easy to reach, particularly in busy areas. This will enable you to react quickly in the event of aterrorist attack.
  • Make a plan: When visiting family or friends, discuss a meeting point in case you become separated in an emergency, such as an active shooter or ram-vehicle attack.

1. Practise the ‘run, hide, fight “mindset The ”run, hide, fight’ strategy is one of the most recommended responses in an active attack situation, such as a terrorist attack with an active shooter. Familiarise yourself with each element of this strategy so that you can react effectively in the event of a threat:

• • Run: If you can escape, run to a safe place as quickly as possible. Leave your belongings behind and encourage others to follow. In the event of poor governance, social unrest can also lead to unexpected attacks requiring this rapid reaction.
  • Hide: If escape is not possible, find a safe place to hide. Barricade doors if you are inside a room, put your phone on silent and stay as quiet as possible to avoid being located by the active shooter.
  • Fight: As a last resort, if you are directly confronted by the assailant, try to neutralise him. Use any objects at your disposal, such as chairs, bags or fire extinguishers, to defend yourself, especially if you are in a situation where you can neither flee nor hide.

Reacting to a terrorist attack

1. During an active shooter attack In an active shooter situation, seconds count. Here are the steps to follow according to the ‘run, hide, fight’ principle:
   • Flee: If you can leave the building or area safely, do so immediately. Leave your belongings behind, encourage others to join you and prevent others from entering the danger zone. Avoid running in a straight line; instead, zigzag or stay close to a shelter such as a wall or fence to avoid the bullets fired during the terrorist attack.
   • Hide: If you can't run, take cover. Look for a room that you can lock or barricade. Turn off the lights, put your phone on silent and stay out of sight. Stay calm and try to control your breathing.
   • Fight: If you have no other choice, commit to defending yourself. Use available objects as weapons and remember that it can be more effective to work with others to subdue the attacker, especially in an ambush.
2. During a stabbing A stabbing often happens suddenly, so you need to react quickly:
   • Escape: If possible, get away from the attacker immediately. Look for an exit or shelter and encourage others to run. Don't stop to help others if doing so puts you in danger, as the attacker could attempt a further ambush.
   • Remain vigilant: Attackers may continue to move through busy areas, so stay alert to your surroundings and avoid large crowds which can become targets for attack. It is also possible that arrests will be made after the attack.
3. During an attack with a ram-vehicle Attacks with vehicles, where ram-vehicles are used to run over pedestrians, often occur in very busy areas such as shopping centres, parks or open-air markets:

• • Move perpendicularly: If you see a vehicle approaching at high speed, try to move perpendicularly to its direction. Vehicles find it harder to turn quickly than to travel in a straight line.
  • Get out of the street: Seek shelter behind solid barriers such as lampposts, trees or buildings. Avoid open areas where you are more vulnerable to a ram-vehicle attack.
  • Help others: Once you are in a safe place, if possible help others to escape. Look out for those who are injured or need help to get to safety.

For more information on training methods, please visit our website.

After an attack

1. In the immediate aftermath of an attack, concentrate on finding a safe place. Terrorists can linger in the area, so keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid large groups. Areas of ambush or tension can still be dangerous.
2. Pass on information to the authorities If you witnessed the attack or have any useful information, inform the authorities as soon as possible. Your observations, such as a description of the assailants or their actions, can contribute to ongoing investigations and help prevent further damage. It may also facilitate the arrest of those responsible for a terrorist attack.
3. Give first aid, if possible If you are trained in first aid, help injured people, but only if it is safe to do so. Apply pressure to bleeding wounds, comfort victims and wait for medical professionals to arrive. However, do not put yourself in danger if the threat persists, particularly in the event of a further ambush.

Conclusion

Dealing with the threat of terrorism requires preparation, vigilance and swift action. By knowing how to react and what measures to take in different scenarios, you can not only improve your chances of survival, but also help protect those around you. The best response is a combination of preparedness, awareness and rapid action to minimise the risks in the event of a terrorist attack. Working together in the community and reporting any suspicious behaviour can help reduce the impact of such incidents and speed up recovery.

Contact us today to find out more about our HEAT training or to request a detailed brochure. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the information you need.