Terrorist attack
Notify the facility administrator or security, who will inform the appropriate services about the emergency.
You can also notify the appropriate services directly by calling the emergency number 112.
In the event of a terrorist attack, always remember the following 4 rules:
- BE VIGILANT! PAY ATTENTION TO:
- unusual events/changes in your surroundings;
- unnatural/alarming behaviours of a person/persons.
- RUN! – if you hear gunshots, explosions, etc.:
- leave your belongings (do not waste time on activities that may slow down your escape);
- help others escape if possible and if it does not slow down your escape;
- if possible, prevent other people from entering the danger area;
- once you are safe, call the emergency number 112 and notify the security service.
- HIDE! – if you can’t run away:
- hide out of the attacker’s sight;
- close and lock the door to the place where you are hiding;
- turn off the lights;
- put your phone on silent mode, turn off vibrations and stay silent;
- remove any rattling, rustling objects and/or clothing;
- try to calm your breathing;
- if you hear gunshots, lie on the floor away from doors and windows.
- STOP THE ATTACK! – fight only when there is no other option and your life depends on it:
- try to overpower the attacker, use the element of surprise, cooperate with other people;
- act with as much physical aggression as possible;
- improvise when it comes to your weapons, use whatever you have at hand (pencil, heel of a shoe, laptop, heavy objects, etc.). Remember that anything can become your weapon!;
- the most important thing is the surprise factor;
- if you decide to fight, be motivated and confident in your actions – your life depends on it!
Course of action in a hostage situation.
If you failed to escape or hide and were taken hostage by terrorists, follow these rules:
- follow the terrorists’ orders;
- don’t resist – it can only make your situation worse. Your goal is to survive, wait for rescue action;
- stay calm, do not panic, do not draw attention to yourself;
- if the attackers demand it, hand over your personal belongings;
- avoid prolonged contact with attackers, it may trigger their aggressive response;
- answer questions, but do not discuss/argue with attackers, especially on political, religious or ideological topics;
- if you have any need (getting a drink, food, using the toilet), ask the attackers for it, but in case of refusal, do not react emotionally;
- try to remember as many details as possible – your statements may help the Police in further actions;
- do not block attackers’ escape routes;
- do not help the attackers.
We encourage you to read the rules of conduct in a hostage situation.
Rules of conduct during the release of hostages by emergency services:
- try to stay calm, lie down on the floor and try to find some cover, keep your hands on your head until the end of the operation;
- do not hide your hands under any circumstances, emergency services will try to identify people in possession of firearms in order to neutralise them;
- the emergency service officers do not know who the perpetrator is, everyone will be overpowered and handcuffed, you should submit to this and not hinder the officers’ work;
- listen to the orders and instructions of the counterterrorist group and do not waste their time asking unnecessary questions;
- do not rub your eyes or swallow saliva if tear gas is used;
- do not escape from the facility until you are ordered to leave, an escape attempt may be met with a violent reaction;
- when the emergency services provide appropriate information, leave as soon as possible, do not stop to take your personal belongings, there is always a risk of explosion or fire;
- provide officers with information about the perpetrators, even seemingly insignificant information that may help identify them or indicate where weapons or explosives are hidden;
- do not record with your phone in a dangerous situation – your life and health are much more valuable;
- during police activities, do not provide information about the emergency services’ activities via social media. Terrorists should not be able to use your tips.