The world seems to get ever more dangerous with each day that passes. And while large scale attacks like bomb blasts and terror attacks may not be common where we live, it is still important to know what to do in these situations. Consider these:
1. BE PREPARED
Because you are not expecting an attack – whether a terror attack, or an armed robbery – it is possible for you to think it is something else because it does not fit in with your expectations. Experts say this is what will make you vulnerable.
The time it can take to understand what is happening can be dangerous to one. But if you are mentally prepared, and have already thought through a few worst-case scenarios, then this process will be quicker. All you need to ask is – “If anything goes wrong, what is my first response going to be?” If you are in a building, try to pay attention to emergency exits, and look out for alternative routes when you are out on the street.
2. REACT QUICKLY
The vast majority of people will be too confused to do anything during an attack. Acting decisively might make survival more likely.
3. MAKE YOURSELF A SMALLER TARGET
The first thing is to try to get out of the way and make yourself a smaller target. This can involve simply dropping to the ground, but it would be best to find a way of getting behind some sort of cover, because “where there’s cover from sight, there’s cover from fire.” Hard cover such as a concrete wall is the best option. Hollywood movies may have portrayed cars as being bulletproof, but that’s not necessarily the case. Despite this, even a car is better than nothing at all.
Many survivors in Paris did this by turning tables over to use as makeshift shelters, or hiding behind speakers in the concert hall. An Irish couple survived by playing dead. Another survivor, Theresa Cede, told the BBC:
“One guy was badly hurt, and moaning, so we tried to say: ‘Shh, be quiet, stay alive and don’t move,’ because every time there was movement somewhere, there were more gunshots.”
This is especially true if it’s dark. Some ran for the exit when the attackers paused to reload. Though, this can be risky, but in some scenarios running away is a good idea. According to eyewitnesses on Friday, several people chose to stay hidden in offices and toilets until help arrived.
4. HELP OTHERS
Once you have managed to escape the situation, it’s important for you to remain vigilant. Get as far away as possible, behind as much hard cover as possible and go to the nearest authority figures for help.
It can be dangerous to join big groups nearby and to take public transport. Always assume that there’s going to be a secondary attack. The key is to take advice from police officers or other officials, as they may have better knowledge of the situation.
One will never know what dangers tomorrow brings, but if it does happen, co-operating with others can increase your chance of survival, as well as that of other people. Even though there is an assumption that in such situations, “it’s everybody for themselves” but that’s not the case said Chris Cocking, a social psychologist and expert in crowd behaviour.
Source: BBC
