Public 'stay safe' guide to
firearms and weapons attack
AN information film providing
advice on the how to keep safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack
has been released to the public on Friday, 18 December 2015.
The 4 minute film, Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attack,
sets out three key steps for keeping safe and is freely available online.
The film, which has been seen by tens of thousands of people at Police led
security briefings, is accompanied by an online information leaflet.
Recent events around the world remind us all of the terrorist threat we
face, which in the UK is considered as:- 'SEVERE', meaning an
attack is highly likely. Police and security agencies are working tirelessly
to protect the public but it is also important that communities remain
vigilant and aware of how to protect themselves if the need arises.
The film and leaflet advise that if you are caught up in an incident to:-
'run, hide and tell' - guidance which can be applied to many places
and situations. 'RUN' if you can. If you can't run,
'HIDE'. Then, when you can, 'TELL' the Police what's
happening so they can get there quickly to stop the threat. Also tell others
of the threat so they don't approach danger.
Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Rebekah Sutcliffe said:-
"The release of this video is designed to reassure rather than alarm and
people should not feel anxious by its release. While the general level of
threat to the UK is severe, the probability of being caught up in a firearms
or weapons attack is extremely low. Regardless, it is crucial the public
know what to do in the event of such an incident. Our advice has already
been issued to tens of thousands of people during Police led security
training sessions, but it is only responsible that we issue this public
safety guidance more widely. We know that from case studies and the
testimony of people who have survived attacks that the advice given in the
film has saved lives. With the threat level remaining at a high level, the
Police and security service continue to operate at a heightened state of
readiness; we are working on hundreds of investigations and making an arrest
a day. However, it is only with the ongoing support of communities that we
can defeat terrorism; you are our eyes and ears so please be alert, but not
alarmed. We are asking everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious
behaviour or activity to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on:- 0800
789 321 or in an emergency on:- 999."
