“Surviving a terrorist attack” is probably on many people’s minds today. As I sit here watching the news reporting on the terrorist attack in Brussels, Belgium, my thoughts first go out to my friends in that country. I’m also saddened that we continually have to deal with terrorist threats around the world. I wanted to share a few tips to survive a terrorist attack right away, and I will continue to post information on surviving terrorist attacks on the Survive and Defend pages.
Tips To Survive A Terrorist Attack:
The U.K.’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office offers a set of “stay safe principles,” or “lockdown” procedures, as the graphic below illustrates:
Some of the NCTSO’s tips might seem obvious, but in the fog of an attack it might be useful to have a mental game plan, given that some of the victims of the attacks in Paris at the Bataclan concert hall, where 89 people were slain, reportedly were killed as they pretended to be dead.
•Escape if you can (move to a safer location)
•Consider the safest route of exit
•Run if you cannot hide
•Leave belongings behind
•Find cover from gunfire: substantial brickwork/heavy reinforced walls
•Don’t move to a location that traps you
•Silence your cellphone, if hiding
The NCTSO, the U.K’s counterterrorism police unit, also points out that you should call the police when you reach a safe location and don’t be alarmed if law enforcement “point guns at you” and treat you “firmly” as they assess the situation.
The U.S.’s National Counterterrorism Center also offers some tips on dealing with explosives, including so-called dirty bombs that might contain radioactive materials. The NCC advises moving quickly away from an area where there has been an explosion to reduce your exposure to possible radiation. They say removing your outer clothing helps, too. “Removing shoes and outer clothes may get rid of up to 90% of radioactive dust,” the NCC’s counterterrorism guide says.
FBI Director James Comey has stated, “Turn fear into healthy awareness of what’s around you. Do not let fear become disabling.”
Learn more about what the FBI is doing regarding Terrorism here.
Survive and Defend Membership pages include pages on Terrorism and there will be more added throughout the year. Learn more about becoming a member here.
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