Protaris Offer Support Safety Actions in Crowded Spaces
We have seen an increase in attacks by terrorist using knifes and fake suicide vests as well as the use of vehicle to cause maximum harm and fear..
Protaris release the following information to advise you on some of the tactics we would recommend you use if a situation develops.
Most public spaces have vehicle based deterrents already installed in the entrances and exits, these will be in the form of large concrete posts and concrete flower tubs as well as street furniture.
However older streets and shopping areas do not have the infrastructure for modern security measures like vehicle mitigation defences.
Access to old building is often only ever by the main entrances located in the same streets as pedestrians.
When entering a location with your family, or yourself, have a look at the vehicle mitigation measures; This could include being in areas with bollards or large plant pots; even statues are designed as vehicle-based stopping points, ask yourself this question, could you drive a vehicle directly down the road, the answer will probably be “yes.”
If the area you are in is open and has vehicle access you consider adopting these tactics:
Try and walk against the flow of traffic
Keep close to the building line and not immediately next to the road
Watch for the movement of people and sounds
If you hear: - Shouts and screams, you must immediately react by looking for a place of cover, something that would stop a vehicle from moving through it, a waste paper bin is not a safe area or indeed a bench will not stop a car, look immediately for concrete structures and robust base furniture that offers you impact protection and cover from sight.
Do Not: -
Run in straight lines, run at angles – think to yourself how quickly can you clear the front of a vehicle if you run or dive.
Do not run with a crowd, people in critical situations act like sheep and all follow each other, this increase your risk extensively, make a decision and act on it not what the crowd are doing.
Do not sit in a café or restaurant with your back to the road or area, always sit facing the road, so that you can have maximum vision – remember if you hear anything unusual, do not dismiss it actively look and establish the risk.
Do not wear headphones in public places
Also, consider your footwear, is it necessary to wear high heels while shopping, if you do consider carrying some flat shoes for your journey to and throw your office or function.
Keep up with local and national media, look for indicators from the security services about the likelihood of attacks.
Look for the presence of extra security mainly armed police, this is a reassurance measure, but also it should indicate to you that you should plan a suitable seating area and look for roadside furniture that offers you protection.
Formulate a plan in your head – “If this happens I’m going in that direction to that location etc. etc. …Tell your story. Use catchy text, bullets, links and more to bring your words to life.
