Rules of conduct in the event of a terrorist attack

In practically every major European city, passers-by can find themselves in a situation like the one that recently occurred in Vienna: A masked assassin fires indiscriminately with an assault rifle. Even if security forces are quickly on the scene, there is a time when you are on your own and should react properly. The most important principle is "Get out of the danger zone!". However, it is often not easy to realize immediately that it is an attack. In addition, it is unclear exactly where the danger zone is and in which direction one must move in order to get away as quickly as possible.

Prepare business travelers

Companies should therefore prepare their business travelers, even if they are only in Europe, for such scenarios, provide appropriate tips or offer special training for travel security.

Christian Schaaf, former criminal investigator and founder of Corporate Trust, knows the rules of conduct in the event of a terrorist attack:

• Find out in advance about the countries to which you are traveling. Observe local laws, religious traditions, customs, business practices and rules of conduct.
• The general rule is that the more exotic the destination, the more the culture of the destination country differs from your own, the more important it is to prepare for the trip and to follow the instructions and rules of conduct during the trip.
• Find out how the local telephone system works and have the local emergency numbers ready. You should also have access to these phone numbers in your cell phone in case of an emergency.
• An information sheet with the most important instructions and telephone numbers for emergencies will help you to immediately initiate the right measures, avert dangers and mitigate consequences.
• At any extended stay location (hotel, bar, restaurant, store, etc.) try to memorize exits and consider possible escape routes.
• On your way there, try to note nearby public buildings (police stations, government offices, hospitals, etc.) that could provide protection in the event of a terrorist attack.
• Avoid panic in the event of an attack. If possible, remain calm and act in a considered manner.
• Get an overview of where the danger is coming from. People running away are usually an indicator that an attacker is coming from there or an attack was/is threatening.
• However, do not run blindly with the crowd. Sometimes moving away from the crowd can be the right way to go, especially if there is a risk of mass panic.
• Behave as inconspicuously as possible and do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
• Move quickly out of the danger zone and do not hide in the immediate vicinity. Terrorists often search the area for people to kill.
• If a conspicuous number of uniformed security guards or police officers suddenly appear, quickly seek shelter in a suitable place, e.g. behind a pillar, a large vending machine, etc.
• Do not take pictures with your smartphone and especially do not post them on social networks. During the recordings you are an easy target. In addition, perpetrators could get clues about the approach or tactics of the police/security forces.
• If you are in buildings in the immediate vicinity of a crime scene, move away from windows or glass panes. Otherwise, you could be hit by ricochets or ricochets in a shooting.
• Barricade yourself and behave in a way that does not attract the attention of the perpetrators.
• If it is safe to do so, inform trusted people about your situation, where you are and that you are okay.

Source: Corporate Trust Business Risk & Crisis Management GmbH, Munich