Counter Terrorism

The threat of international terrorism is a seamless one and is still at a critical level.

Anyone with information about terrorist activity can contact the free, confidential Anti-Terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency dial 999.

The Government has issued advice and a warning relating to terrorism which includes information about:

• The threat

• How do I protect myself?

• How does the Government protect me?

• News etc.

Full details can be found on the National Counter Terrorism Security Office website.

Bomb explosion

It is advisable to familiarise yourself with any plans or procedures that are in place at your workplace in connection with bomb warnings.

Attacks generally occur in open and public places. You can help by being vigilant, looking out for suspicious behaviour, packages or vehicles and if you suspect something do not hesitate to tell the police

If a bomb goes off in a building that you are in, evacuate quickly and calmly by the safest route and follow the advice of those in charge.

General advice on actions to be taken if you are involved in a bomb incident and trapped in debris:

  • If possible shelter under a sturdy table or desk
  • Ensure your own safety before helping others
  • Stay close to a wall, and tap on pipes so that rescuers can hear you.
  • Do not use lighters or matches, in case there is a gas leak
  • Cover your mouth

If a bomb goes off outside a building that you are in, stay inside away from windows, lifts and outer doors just in case there is another bomb in the area.

If you witnessed the explosion, stay in the area in a safe place and tell the police everything you saw.

Chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident

CBRN agents can be released either by accident or by a deliberate criminal act. They can range from household chemicals through to highly toxic warfare agents. If you are very near the site of a CBRN incident and think you may have been contaminated wait for the emergency services to arrive who will identify the hazard and tell you what to do. This may include decontamination or evacuation. For your own safety you should always listen to the advice of the Emergency Services and the Health Service professionals.

You may be required to enter a decontamination unit supplied by the Emergency Services. This will involve showering in a decontamination unit and dressing in temporary clothing which will be provided. It is important this takes place near to where the incident happens. This is so that other areas are not contaminated.

General advice on actions to be taken if you are directly involved in a CBRN incident include:

  • Move away from the immediate area of danger – but wait for the emergency services to arrive who will examine you and if necessary decontaminate you.
  • Do not go home untreated, you could contaminate others and make the incident worse.

If you are not directly affected, general advice to follow is:

  • Move away quickly
  • Go indoors and stay there, bringing pets inside.
  • Close all doors and windows and block obvious vents (remember to unblock before switching equipment on again)
  • Switch off air conditioning, ventilation units and fans
  • Tune into local radio and/or television and listen for local announcements
  • Do not try to collect children from school, they will be looked after
  • If there is a power cut, turn off all appliances. This is because when the power comes back on if all appliances turn on at the same time it may overload the system

Project Argus and Griffin – Free events for business who want to prepare themselves against these types of attacks

Project ARGUS is a National Counter Terrorism Security Office initiative, exploring ways to aid you in preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack. It achieves this by taking businesses through a simulated terrorist attack. It will provide you with a unique opportunity to both learn from and contribute to valuable lessons helping to protect you, your business and your community, whether you are a national chain or a small business.

Project GRIFFIN is a police initiative to protect our cities and communities from the threat of terrorism. It brings together and coordinates the resources of the police, emergency services, local authorities, business and the private sector industry.

The objective is to raise the awareness of the private sector regarding current terrorist tactics, which in effect means they become the extra eyes and ears to help police forces combat hostile reconnaissance and disrupt the terrorists.