What can residents do?
Here you will find information to assist individuals, families and communities in becoming more aware of terrorism-related risks and preparing for emergencies can be found on the ProtectUK and National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) websites.
Some simple steps that everyone can take to be better prepared for emergencies, and help keep their communities safe are:
- stay alert and report concerns. If you see or hear something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Remember the HOT protocol when assessing suspicious activity or items. Your actions could save lives. Action Counters Terrorism (ACT): Report suspicious activity | ProtectUK
- know what to do in an emergency. Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures when visiting public venues, events and crowded places. Pay attention to exits, evacuation routes and safety announcements
- understand the Run Hide Tell guidance. In the event of a firearms or weapons attack
- be familiar with the Guide Shelter Report (GSR) principles. GSR provides simple dynamic response principles to help people and organisations respond effectively during a terrorist incident. Being aware of these principles can help individuals make informed decisions and support others in an emergency
- consider creating a home emergency plan. This encourages households to think about important information and actions that family members can take in advance of an emergency
- prepare a grab bag. Keep essential items such as a torch, batteries, a mobile phone charger, important contact numbers, medications and basic supplies in an easily accessible place
- make use of trusted preparedness resources. Free guidance, e-learning and awareness materials available through ProtectUK and NPSA can help residents understand potential risks, improve preparedness and contribute to safer communities