What happens if there is a terrorist incident

In the event of an attack, what you do matters.

In the unlikely event you are facing an attacker armed with a gun, knife or similar weapon, it is important to be prepared to react quickly.

You need to remember three words: Escape. Hide. Tell.

• Escape – move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it is safe to do so
• Hide – stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone
• Tell – call the police by dialling Triple Zero (000) when it is safe.

All situations are different. You will need to make quick decisions during an attack and be prepared to change your plan. Remembering the Escape. Hide. Tell. principles will help in deciding what to do.

In some situations you may still need to hide once you have escaped the immediate area.

Read more on the  Australian Government’s National Security website about the Escape. Hide. Tell. response.

Police response

When police arrive, follow their instructions.

Their first priority will be to deal with the immediate threat to prevent further injury. This may take time.

It is important to remember:

• upon arriving at the scene, it is possible police officers may initially not be able to distinguish you from the offender/s
• one of their priority actions will be to locate the offender – which means they may move past people that need help
• police officers will be armed and could point guns in your direction
• police may treat you firmly
• avoid quick movements or shouting, and keep your hands visible
• police may initially move past you in search of the offender/s
• stay where you are hiding until police tell you it is safe to evacuate
• be aware that police may enter your location at some stage to secure the building and locate people who have hidden from the threat
• promptly follow any instructions given by emergency responders.

You will be evacuated when it is safe to leave the area.

Read more about attacks involving explosions, chemicals or vehicles on the Australian Government’s National Security website

Learn more about Australia’s strategy for protecting crowded places from terrorism on the Australian Government’s National Security website.

What happens after a terrorist event

Terrorist incidents can be very traumatic and have a significant impact on a community.

When the terrorist incident is resolved, recovery and support arrangements will commence. This could involve support to victims, first responders and their families, public messaging to restore community confidence, scene preservation and investigation activities, re-establishing normal business operations and day-to-day activities.