Terrorist attacks have been creating havoc and fear for centuries, but we haven’t seemed to completely prevent them from happening again. Terrorism shouldn’t be a normal occurrence, and yet we still dread that one could happen near us any time soon.
Terrorists don’t even have to belong in a religious group; they could be lone wolf terrorists, which means they operate on their own. They also don’t necessarily have to be motivated by religious reasons. There can also be other factors, including cultural, social and political. They don’t have to be tourists or someone who doesn’t live in your neighborhood.
Even if you think your neighborhood is a safe place, it still isn’t immune to terrorist attacks.
Here are five terrorist attacks that could happen in your place and tips on how to be a survivor:
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS)
IEDS is the use of a homemade bomb to destroy, incapacitate, harass or distract. It can be carried or delivered in a vehicle; placed by a person; delivered in a package; or concealed on the roadside.
They can be set off using triggers like a timer or remote control.
The extent of damage depends on its size, construction, placement and whether it incorporates a high explosive or propellant.
They allow the terrorist to strike at considerable distance with great destructive effect.
Our recommendations to survive IEDS
- Be alert to your surroundings.
- Trust you instincts: if something feels wrong, don’t ignore it
- If you see it, say it.
- Do not assume that someone else has already reported an IEDS, call 911 yourself.
- Keep your distance from a suspicious package at least 10 feet.
- Learn the emergency procedures at sites you visit regularly.
If you think an IEDS attack is imminent:
- Get under a sturdy table or desk if objects are falling around you.
- Exit or get away as quickly as possible.
- If you become trapped: cover your nose and mouth with a good filter.
- Shout only as a last resort
- Signal your location to rescuers.
The golden rule to protect yourself from an IED attack is to be alert to your surroundings.
Shootings and Close Quarter Attacks
A mass shooting is an incident involving multiple victims of firearms related violence. Unless you can safely and successfully take down the shooter, there is only one real form of defense: have a plan and act fast.
If you remain frozen without a plan, your chances of survival are greatly reduced.
Our recommendation to survive a mass shooting:
You have 3 options.
Escaping safely.
- Don’t freeze up or waste time debating your options! When arriving at a new location, consider your emergency action plan and establish a baseline of normality, then it’ll be easier to identify what’s dangerous.
- Practice situational awareness.
- Start moving away from a threat as soon as possible.
- Get out of the kill zone.
- Spread the word and assist people who might need help
- Communicate and help others
- Forget your belongings: none of them are as important as your life.
- Bring people with you. As you’re running, encourage others to run.
- If someone is too scared to move, grab that person and grab them with you.
Hide if running is impossible
- Ideally find a spot that does not restrict your movement. If the situation changes, you want to be able to run to an exit as fast as possible.
- Split tasks with other people in the room: call 911, lock and barricade the door and grab anything that could be used as weapons.
- Turn off the lights: this will make the shooter less likely to enter the room. Turn off anything that makes noise.
Engaging the shooter: Attacking the shooter is your final option.
Work with others to create confusion. If you are in a group of people and cannot avoid the shooter, create as much noise and movement as possible.
Do not plead for your life. It has not been proven effective in dealing with shooters.
Attack the shooter with any weapon you can. You are extremely luckly if you carry a stun gun or mace spray with you. Try to hurt the shooter in the arm, face, eyes, shoulders or neck, so that they are more likely to let go of their weapon.
Kidnappings
Most kidnapping victims survive, so the odds are with you.
If you can escape, the initial abduction attempt, your ordeal ends right there. So, attempt to thwart the abduction. Regain your composure. Your adrenaline will be pumping, your heart will be pounding: just calm down.
Be observant. Remember as much as possible in order to help you plan an escape, predict your abductor’s next moves, or give information to the police.
Establish a rapport with your abductor. He/she will generally be more hesitant to harm you.
Try to escape only if the time is right. Sometimes, it’s safest to just wait to be freed or rescued.
Follow the rescuers’ instructions. They will be on edge, and they will most likely shoot first and ask questions later.
Nuclear Attacks
Here are steps you can take in the event of a nuclear strike.
- Make a plan for contacting family and friends in an emergency and for meeting up after a disaster.
- Build an emergency supply kit.
- Get underground. Remember that radiation exposure could cause large numbers of deaths.
- Expect to stay inside for 48 hours after a nuclear blast.
- Feel free to assist people with radiation sickness. This is not contagious
Most likely, a nuclear attack will not be a singular event. Be prepared for another strike or strikes by enemy nations, or an invasion by attacking party.
Hijackings
Hijacking is the seizure by force of a surface vehicle, its passengers, and/or its cargo.
What to do if you are hijacked:
- Don’t antagonize the hijackers: show them you are not a threat.
- Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon.
- Do not turn your back on the hijackers. Your organs are most exposed from the back.
- Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers.
Some points to remember are:
- Always be alert near gates, driveways or garages.
- Be on the look-out for suspicious people when stopping.
- Always keep your vehicle doors locked and windows closed.
- Beware of people asking for directions.
Make sure that you are not followed to and from your home or business, and if you are followed, go to the nearest police station or place where there are many people.
Remember if you are hijacked, don’t resist! Your life is more valuable than the most expensive car.