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What you should do if you find yourself in a terror attack

Contrary to popular belief, the worst thing you can do in a terrorist attack is play dead, according to advice from the British government.

Released by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) in November, the report is designed to inform people about the best strategies to adopt in the event of a “firearms or weapons attack.”

The report breaks it down into three steps:

1. Run

  • Consider your safest options

  • If there is a safe route, run, and if not, hide

  • Insist others leave with you

  • Leave belongings behind

Footage of yesterday’s attack in Brussels airport showed people dragging their suitcases with them as they flee the scene of an attack.

Photo: CNN

2. Hide

  • Find cover from gunfire - brickwork, reinforced walls

  • If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you

  • Be quiet, silence your phone

  • Lock/ barricade yourself in, and stay away from entry/exit points

3. Tell

  • If you can, call 999

  • Inform the police about your location and the location of the attackers, as well as the direction they are/were moving and their descriptions

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