The ‘Run Hide Tell’ message was first introduced by UK police in December 2015 after the Paris attacks.
Since then the advice hasn’t changed but different communication options exist for businesses, parents and travellers.
Businesses: Run Hide Tell online staff training
While being caught up in a terrorist or fire arms incident remains highly unlikely, unfortunately the risk is increasing and it is not uniform across the UK. Residents of big cities or those who attend large public events are exposed to a greater risk. Companies are progressively deciding YES to the question: Should the risk associated with terrorism or a fire arms incident be part of our safety management system?
If your business falls into a slightly higher risk category, it is certainly worth considering (for example, any organisation where the public congregates such as event venues, colleges, universities, stadiums, etc). Taking a short time to consider in advance your actions in the event of such an attack may prove life saving.
echo3education have created a very short course to help your staff do exactly this – think through their response just in case the ‘unthinkable’ happens. The online course will enable to you to deploy training simply and keep a record of the staff who have completed the course.
Parents: Counter Terrorism Policing campaign aimed at children and teenagers
“Atrocities in London and Manchester have sadly resulted in some of the youngest victims of terror this country has ever seen, and if we are able to teach children to act in a way which could potentially save their lives – then it is our responsibility to do so.” (the National Lead for Protective Security, Met Police, 2017)
Bear Grylls and Jamie Vardy are supporting a new initiative, designed to teach 11-16 year olds how to react in the unlikely event of a terror attack. RUN if they are able to, HIDE if they are not, and TELL police of the threat only when it is safe to do so is the message.
They will also be advised to warn others about an on-going threat, and crucially told NOT to stop and use their phones until they are safely away from danger.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) offer advice for parents on how to talk to your children about terrorism.
Travellers: Counter Terrorism Policing campaign aimed at travellers
Police have advised that travellers learn what to do in the event of a terror attack abroad, in much the same way we watch inflight safety videos.
A recently released four minute film depicts a firearms attack in a hotel and adapts the existing “Run Hide Tell” anti-terrorism safety message.
The film is part of a general campaign to raise public awareness.
Det Ch Supt Scott Wilson, national co-ordinator for the protect and prepare strategy, said: “The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident are still low, but sadly we have seen atrocities take place in the UK and abroad. So it is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.”
The guidance says that people should run to a place of safety if there is a safe route, leaving belongings behind and insisting others go with them. If there is nowhere to go, then they should hide by barricading themselves in and turn their phones to silent.
While the Run Hide Tell message remains the same for businesses, parents and travellers, choosing the most effective way to communicate that message is vital to its retention.
