Preparedness

Terrorism

Terrorism

Terrorism is the use or threat of serious violence to influence or intimidate governments, communities or the public. Although terrorist incidents are rare, they can happen without warning and may occur in public places, transport hubs, workplaces, entertainment venues or other crowded locations.

The UK's national threat level is assessed by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), and emergency services, local authorities and partner organisations work together to help prevent, prepare for and respond to terrorist incidents.

While the likelihood of being directly affected by a terrorist attack remains low, understanding what to do in an emergency can help keep you and others safe. Being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to respond and reporting concerns can all contribute to community safety.

What You Can Do

  • Stay Alert.
  • Remain aware of your surroundings when visiting busy places, attending events or travelling.
  • If something feels unusual or suspicious, trust your instincts and report your concerns.

Know What to Do During an Attack

National counter-terrorism advice is:

  • Run, Hide, Tell.
  • Run If there is a safe route, leave the area immediately and move away from danger.
  • Hide If you cannot safely leave, find cover, stay out of sight, lock or barricade doors where possible and silence mobile devices.
  • Tell When it is safe to do so, call 999 and provide as much information as possible.
  • Follow Official Instructions.

During an incident, emergency services may instruct people to:

  • Evacuate an area.
  • Stay indoors.
  • Avoid certain locations.
  • Follow specific routes.
  • Always follow instructions from the police and other emergency responders.

Be Prepared for Communication Disruption

  • Major incidents may affect mobile phone networks, transport services and access to information.
  • Keeping important contact numbers written down. 
  • Agreeing how family members would contact one another during an emergency.
  • Identifying alternative meeting locations.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

  • The UK Emergency Alerts service may be used during serious incidents and provides important information directly to mobile phones.
  • Read alerts carefully and follow the instructions provided.

Report Suspicious Activity

Report anything that appears suspicious, including:

  • Unattended bags or packages.
  • Suspicious vehicles.
  • Unusual behaviour.
  • Attempts to obtain information about security arrangements.

In an emergency call 999. For non-emergency concerns about possible terrorist activity, contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or report online through the ACT website.

Support Vulnerable Family Members

  • Consider how children, older relatives, disabled people and those who may need additional assistance would be supported during an emergency.
  • Discuss emergency arrangements in advance and ensure everyone understands what to do.
  • Plan for Public Events and Travel.

When attending major events or travelling:

  • Familiarise yourself with emergency exits.
  • Be aware of security arrangements.
  • Allow extra time for security screening
  • Follow venue staff instructions

Support Your Community

Strong communities play an important role in resilience.

Report concerns responsibly, avoid spreading rumours and rely on trusted information from official sources during and after an incident.

Advice for Businesses and Community Organisations

Businesses, schools, community groups and event organisers should regularly review their emergency plans and consider:

  • Evacuation and lockdown procedures.
  • Staff and visitor accountability.
  • Emergency communications.
  • First aid arrangements.
  • Security awareness training.
  • Business continuity plans.
  • Procedures for reporting suspicious activity.

The Government's ACT Awareness e-learning programme provides free counter-terrorism awareness training for organisations and employees.

Further Information