Crisis-Ready Society Emergency
Scenarios / Evacuation, conflict & unrest

Attack in a public place

Attacks with weapons in busy public places are rare, but knowing what to do can save lives. This page explains the UK Run, Hide, Tell advice and the US Run, Hide, Fight advice, how to help others, what to do when police arrive and how to cope afterwards.

Depends on regional security

Each step names the official source it comes from. Tap the name to see the source.

In the UAEIn the UAE, call 999 to report crimes and emergencies from anywhere in the country, 998 for an ambulance and 997 for fire (Civil Defence). In Dubai, the Al Ameen service (8004888) takes safety concerns.u.ae

Before

  • Whenever you enter a shopping centre, venue or other building, notice the two nearest exits.CISA
  • Think about where you could hide, such as a lockable room without windows or behind heavy furniture.FEMA
  • Ask your children's school and your workplace about their emergency plans, and talk them through as a family.FEMA
  • Learn first aid, including how to help someone who is badly hurt until help arrives.FEMA
  • Report suspicious behaviour or unattended items to the police straight away.FEMA
  • In the UK, report anything that does not feel right at gov.uk/ACT, or call 999 in an emergency.Counter Terrorism Poli
  • Pay attention to official emergency alerts on your phone.CISA

During

  • If there is a safe way out, run. Getting away is the best option.Counter Terrorism Poli
  • Leave your belongings, do not stop to film, and urge others to come without waiting for anyone who hesitates.ProtectUK
  • If you cannot get away, hide. Bullets can go through glass, brick, wood and metal, so find cover behind solid or heavy reinforced walls.ProtectUK
  • Lock or block the door, move away from it, turn off lights and silence your phone, including vibrate.FEMA
  • Spread out rather than group together, and stay hidden until police tell you it is safe.FEMA
  • UK advice: when safe, call 999 and say where the attackers are, which way they went and what they look like.ProtectUK
  • US advice: call or text 911 if you can.CISA
  • US advice only (Ready.gov) adds Fight: a last resort when your life is in immediate danger. UK advice does not include it.FEMA

After

  • When police arrive, stay calm, follow their instructions and put down anything you are holding, such as bags.CISA
  • Keep your hands visible and empty. Do not point, shout, move suddenly or grab officers.CISA
  • UK police advice: armed officers may point guns at you or handle you firmly, because they cannot yet tell who the attacker is.ProtectUK
  • Officers may pass injured people at first to end the danger. Leave in the direction they show you.FEMA
  • Once it is safe, help the injured: press firmly and steadily on any bleeding until emergency services take over.FEMA
  • Go to the area officials point you to, share what you saw, and let family know you are safe.FEMA
  • Upsetting feelings are normal. If they last beyond about four weeks, seek help from a doctor or support service.GOV.UK
  • Support affected friends: check in over time, offer specific practical help, and do not push them to retell events.GOV.UK

Watch

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Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare for an attack in a public place?
  • Whenever you enter a shopping centre, venue or other building, notice the two nearest exits.CISA
  • Think about where you could hide, such as a lockable room without windows or behind heavy furniture.FEMA
  • Ask your children's school and your workplace about their emergency plans, and talk them through as a family.FEMA
  • Learn first aid, including how to help someone who is badly hurt until help arrives.FEMA
What should I do during an attack in a public place?
  • If there is a safe way out, run. Getting away is the best option.Counter Terrorism Poli
  • Leave your belongings, do not stop to film, and urge others to come without waiting for anyone who hesitates.ProtectUK
  • If you cannot get away, hide. Bullets can go through glass, brick, wood and metal, so find cover behind solid or heavy reinforced walls.ProtectUK
  • Lock or block the door, move away from it, turn off lights and silence your phone, including vibrate.FEMA
What should I do after an attack in a public place?
  • When police arrive, stay calm, follow their instructions and put down anything you are holding, such as bags.CISA
  • Keep your hands visible and empty. Do not point, shout, move suddenly or grab officers.CISA
  • UK police advice: armed officers may point guns at you or handle you firmly, because they cannot yet tell who the attacker is.ProtectUK
What should I have ready for an attack in a public place?
  • Habit of noting the two nearest exits in any buildingCISA
  • Places to hide identified at work, school and places you visit oftenFEMA
  • Family has talked through school and workplace emergency plansFEMA
  • At least one adult trained in first aidFEMA
  • Gloves or a cloth to protect your hands when pressing on a woundFEMA
  • Emergency numbers saved on every phone, for example 999 for police in the UAEu.ae
  • Everyone knows how to report suspicious activityCounter Terrorism Poli
Is there anything specific to know in the UAE?

In the UAE, call 999 to report crimes and emergencies from anywhere in the country, 998 for an ambulance and 997 for fire (Civil Defence). In Dubai, the Al Ameen service (8004888) takes safety concerns.u.ae

Answers are based only on the sourced steps on this page and their official sources.

Official sources

  1. ProtectUK (Counter Terrorism Policing): Run Hide Tell
  2. ProtectUK (Counter Terrorism Policing): Stay safe: weapons and firearms attack
  3. Counter Terrorism Policing (UK): Run Hide Tell
  4. Ready.gov (FEMA): Terrorism
  5. Ready.gov (FEMA): Active Shooter Information Sheet
  6. CISA (US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency): Active Shooter Pocket Card
  7. Ready.gov (FEMA): Steps to Control Bleeding (You Are the Help Until Help Arrives)
  8. GOV.UK (Home Office): Advice on how to support a victim of terrorism
  9. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

Last reviewed against these sources: 1 November 2026.

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