Attacks involving explosions, chemicals or vehicles
Attacks involving weapons such as guns or knives are one of the most common types of attack and under these circumstances ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL is the best advice to follow.
However, you may find yourself in an attack involving an improvised explosive device, chemical weapons or a vehicle. In these circumstances you may need to consider different actions.
Improvised explosive devices
In attacks using explosives such as homemade bombs or other devices, leaving the area will help you to avoid falling debris and minimise your exposure to dust and smoke. It could also help keep you safe if there is another device nearby.
Use the stairs instead of lifts or elevators. But be aware of weakened floors and stairways.
Once you are out of the building, move away from windows, glass doors or other potentially hazardous areas.
If you become trapped inside, get under a sturdy table or desk.
If it is safe and you are able, signal your location to rescuers by using a flashlight, whistle, or by tapping on a pipe or wall.
Chemical weapons
In a chemical weapons attack, it is the toxic chemicals that are designed to cause harm, rather than the explosives that propel them.
Signs that you can look out for include leakage of gas or vapour, or a chemical reaction, or strange smell or an unexpected powder or liquid.
Some chemical agents can produce obvious signs of exposure including eye irritation, coughing/breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, seizures or skin irritation.
In some cases there may be no obvious sign of a chemical attack.
If you are in an enclosed space, try to find uncontaminated air as soon as possible. This may mean breaking a window.
If you are outside, avoid any obvious plume or vapour cloud and move away from the direction it is going.
If you think you have been exposed:
- tell an emergency responder ASAP that you think you may have been exposed
- seek medical attention
- remove outer clothing if contaminated and place in a sealed bag
- wash yourself with soap and water, flush skin with lots of water, and flush eyes with water if they are irritated
- put on clean clothes if possible.
Hostile vehicles
If you encounter a vehicle heading towards you, escape the area as quickly as possible.
Move to an area that puts as many obstacles between you and the vehicle as possible but doesn’t leave you trapped.
A hostile vehicle may also carry an explosive device.
