What to Do When Facing Terrorism While Traveling?

Nowadays, travelers not only confront the risks of theft or getting lost but also need to consider an escape plan when encountering terrorism, especially in European countries.

What to Do When Encountering Terrorism While Traveling?

No one wants to find themselves in a terrorist attack during their journey. However, at the very least, you should prepare yourself mentally to face the worst-case scenario. This helps you take more proactive measures to ensure your safety.

In the event of a terrorist attack, experts from the UK National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NCTSO) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation advise travelers to run, hide, fight, and contact authorities as soon as possible.

Running helps you escape from danger as quickly as possible. In the initial moments of a terrorist attack, people are usually highly panicked. Whether to run or stay put is your choice, and it directly relates to your survival.

How to Assess Situations and Make Decisions Quickly?

Michael Wallace, director of national security studies at Tulane University (USA), advises keeping an eye on emergency exits when visiting any public area such as stadiums, theaters, cinemas...

As a result, when emergencies occur, not only terrorism but also fires, shootings..., you can aim straight for the exit and run instead of getting stuck in the chaotic crowd.

The FBI advises everyone to immediately move towards the exit and pull others to run along when an attack occurs. Some people hesitate or are too scared to make decisions in these situations.

However, only run when you perceive that option to be safe, and not encounter any other worse risks.

If you cannot run for some reason, such as during a shooting spree, where moving individuals easily become targeted, choose a safe place to hide until the danger passes and be ready to fight for survival, if necessary.

The safest refuge spots are rooms with walls made of bricks or sturdy materials, as high-powered weapons can penetrate glass, bricks, wood, and even metal surfaces.

Secure the entrances from the inside as tightly as possible, then move away from these doors. Once settled in the hideout, maintain silence and switch off all mobile phone ringtones.

In some cases, hiding may not be the best option. If personal safety is compromised and no other choice remains, FBI experts advise engaging in combat with the attacker – the last resort to secure survival.

Utilize any available objects such as chairs, fire extinguishers... as weapons.

Lastly, contact emergency numbers as soon as possible. In terrorism incidents, such information is crucial as it aids authorities in devising rescue and containment strategies effectively.

Before traveling to any country, tourists should prepare emergency contact numbers such as ambulance, police, fire department, embassy, and consulate of their own country and how to make calls at that location. Provide information about the attack location, description of the assailant's characteristics and direction, hostage situation...

Embassies do not possess military weapons to assist in evacuating hostages, but they can aid in contacting your relatives and confirming your status with authorities.

As per Sunrise/Youth

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour