ATTACKS in public places

   Website
   https://www.ready.gov/public-spaces
   U.S. Department of Homeland Security
   [[Content::Take steps to prepare and protect yourself and help others in the event of a mass attack.

Types of Mass Attacks

• Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties (active shooter)
• Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties
• Individuals using homemade bombs to cause mass casualties
• Other methods used in mass attacks may include knives, fires, drones or other weapons.

Prepare BEFORE

• Stay alert. Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
• If you see something, say something to local authorities.
  • That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely or someone using strange communications.
• Observe warning signs.
  • Signs might include unusual or violent communications, substance abuse, expressed anger or intent to cause harm.
    • These warning signs may increase over time.
• Have an exit plan.
  • Identify exits and areas to hide wherever you go, including work, school and special events.
• Learn lifesaving skills.
  • Take trainings on first aid to assist the wounded before help arrives.

Survive DURING: Run, Hide, Fight

• Run to Safety
  • Seek safety. Getting away from the attacker is the top priority.
  • Leave your belongings behind and get away.
  • Call emergency call number (112) when you are safe and describe the attacker, location and weapons.

• Cover and Hide
  • Cover and hide if you can’t evacuate.
  • Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible.
  • Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.
  • Keep silent.

• Defend, Disrupt, Fight
  • Fight only as a last resort.
  • When you can’t run or cover, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker.
  • Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
  • Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
  • Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker.

• Help the Wounded
  • Take care of yourself first and then, if you are able, help the wounded get to safety and provide immediate care.
  • Call emergency call number (112) when it is safe for you to do so.

Be Safe AFTER

• When Law Enforcement Arrives
  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Report to designated areas to provide information and get help.
  • Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to go. Listen to law enforcement for information about the situation.
  • Share updates as you can with family and friends.

Consider Seeking Professional Help

• Be mindful of your mental health.
  • If needed, seek help for you and your family to cope with the trauma.

Note: Use the translation feature of your browser]]

   Mass attacks
   After, Before, During
   English

View all Crisis Communication

Created: 21 September 2023
Last edited: 23 October 2023

Type:

Website

Publishing Organisation:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Languages

• English

Scenarios

• Mass attacks

Disaster Management Phase

After, Before, During

Take steps to prepare and protect yourself and help others in the event of a mass attack.

Types of Mass Attacks

• Individuals using firearms to cause mass casualties (active shooter)
• Individuals using a vehicle to cause mass casualties
• Individuals using homemade bombs to cause mass casualties
• Other methods used in mass attacks may include knives, fires, drones or other weapons.

Prepare BEFORE

• Stay alert. Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers.
• If you see something, say something to local authorities.
  • That includes suspicious packages, people behaving strangely or someone using strange communications.
• Observe warning signs.
  • Signs might include unusual or violent communications, substance abuse, expressed anger or intent to cause harm.
    • These warning signs may increase over time.
• Have an exit plan.
  • Identify exits and areas to hide wherever you go, including work, school and special events.
• Learn lifesaving skills.
  • Take trainings on first aid to assist the wounded before help arrives.

Survive DURING: Run, Hide, Fight

• Run to Safety
  • Seek safety. Getting away from the attacker is the top priority.
  • Leave your belongings behind and get away.
  • Call emergency call number (112) when you are safe and describe the attacker, location and weapons.

• Cover and Hide
  • Cover and hide if you can’t evacuate.
  • Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible.
  • Lock and block doors, close blinds and turn off lights.
  • Keep silent.

• Defend, Disrupt, Fight
  • Fight only as a last resort.
  • When you can’t run or cover, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker.
  • Be aggressive and commit to your actions.
  • Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons such as chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
  • Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker.

• Help the Wounded
  • Take care of yourself first and then, if you are able, help the wounded get to safety and provide immediate care.
  • Call emergency call number (112) when it is safe for you to do so.

Be Safe AFTER

• When Law Enforcement Arrives
  • Remain calm and follow instructions.
  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Report to designated areas to provide information and get help.
  • Follow law enforcement’s instructions and evacuate in the direction they tell you to go. Listen to law enforcement for information about the situation.
  • Share updates as you can with family and friends.

Consider Seeking Professional Help

• Be mindful of your mental health.
  • If needed, seek help for you and your family to cope with the trauma.

Note:

Use the translation feature of your browser

Source

https://www.ready.gov/public-spaces