Domestic and foreign experience shows that public transport is often attacked by terrorists.
To avoid danger or reduce possible damage in the event of a terrorist attack, you must follow simple rules:
- Notify the driver, police officers, or station attendants of any suspicious items or persons found.
- Those who are too flashy dressed, wear a large amount of jewelry, or wear military-style clothing and camouflage colors are more likely to become the target of an attack.
- * To avoid making yourself the target of fanatical terrorists, avoid discussing political discussions or ostentatiously reading religious or pornographic publications.
- If a vehicle is hijacked, try not to attract much attention from the terrorists.
- In case of an assault, it is safest to lie on the floor, and if this is not possible, keep away from Windows.
- Anyone who holds a weapon is considered a terrorist by the anti-terrorist group. Do not touch weapons or other property of terrorists. If possible, try not to move until the operation is complete.
In the plane
Despite the relatively high security of air transport, it is not uncommon for aircraft to be hijacked by terrorists. There are several General rules that will improve the safety of your trip.
- When choosing an airline, give preference to the one that best ensures the safety of passengers.
- If possible, use direct flights that do not involve intermediate landings.
- Leave the plane during intermediate landings. During such Parking, as experience shows, terrorists can try to break on Board. It is better to travel by direct flights, without landing.
- Try not to draw too much attention to yourself: do not read religious, political, or erotic publications, or discuss relevant topics. Choose low-key clothing, unlike the color and cut of the military, leave a minimum of jewelry, avoid drinking alcohol.
If the plane is already captured, remember that any pause or delay in time plays in favor of the hostages.
- Do not try to resist - there may be an accomplice of terrorists on the plane, who can set off an explosive device.
- Follow the instructions of the terrorists, give them the things they demand.
- Do not look them in the eye, do not react to their behavior, even if it seems to you excessively provocative. Try not to attract their attention, especially those who seem to be the most dangerous.
- Do not react to provocative or challenging behavior.
- If you have documents of interest to terrorists, hide them.
- Do not make sudden movements, do not raise your voice. If you are going to move or get something out of your bag or briefcase, ask for permission.
- If shooting starts, do not run anywhere, lie down on the floor, hide behind the seat.
The assault usually happens very quickly. At the same time, it is important not to move, lie down on the floor and comply with the requirements of the capture group. You should not rush to meet the special forces - those who remain standing at such a moment or hold objects that look like weapons, the special forces perceive as terrorists.
You can leave the plane only after the appropriate order, and you should not waste time searching for clothes or personal belongings - terrorists can leave behind an explosive device.
On the train and in the metro
The general rules that will help you minimize the risk are as follows:
- If possible, it is better to take seats in the cars in the middle of the train, as they suffer less than others in the event of accidents.
- If someone is on the tracks and needs the help of other passengers, then one person should go to the exit of the tunnel to signal the train driver, waving a bright cloth, and two more should immediately inform the metro staff about the incident.
- If the person on the rails is able to quickly get to the platform without hitting the contact rail, they should be assisted in this. If this is not possible, the victim should be advised to immediately get to the end of the station, lie down there between the tracks and remain in this position until the train departs.
- If you find things left by someone, do not touch them, but let the police or metro officers know about it. In any case, it is better to be as far away from suspicious things as possible. In addition, it should be remembered that it is better to stand than sit in a subway car, since explosive devices can be hidden under the seats.
If an explosion occurred as a result of a terrorist act and the train stopped in a tunnel, you must use the following rules:
- Open the car door, but do not try to leave immediately. This can only be done after the contact rail is disconnected. The driver must inform you that the voltage is turned off and in which direction to move.
- Avoid touching the metal parts of the car. If the tunnel is filled with smoke, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and try to lie down on the floor of the car. This will help you not suffocate.
- If circumstances permit, wait for rescuers.
If you are waiting for a train ride, the General principles of safety are the same as in the metro, but there are a number of specific features:
- Try to buy tickets to the cars in the middle of the train.
- Provided that the seats on the train are seated, those that are located opposite the movement of the train are preferred.
- If you don't trust your fellow travelers, try not to fall asleep.
- Do not turn off the light in the compartment, keep the door closed.
In buses
The main personal safety measures that must be observed when traveling on public land transport (buses, trolleybuses, trams) are very similar to those that must be applied while on an airplane.
There are, however, some features:
- Carefully inspect the interior to make sure that there are no suspicious objects or persons, and also remember where the emergency exits, fire extinguisher are located.
- Assault on public ground vehicles is much faster than the storming of the aircraft.
- If you feel that an assault is imminent, try to stay away from the Windows so as not to prevent snipers from shooting at the terrorists.
When traveling abroad
When preparing your trip, pay special attention to the history, religious rites, and geography of your destination. In your notebook, write down the phone numbers of the Consulate, Embassy, and local rescue phone number.
Also, ask if any mass celebrations or, on the contrary, funeral ceremonies are planned for the time of your trip in the country where you are going, and whether terrorist attacks are expected in this regard. Also keep an eye on the messages of the Ministry of foreign Affairs, which warns citizens about those countries that are not completely safe to visit.
Take the following precautions at airports and train stations:
- Take a seat in the waiting room with your back to the wall. This way you can see everything that is happening around you.
- Do not take up space at the Windows.
- * Stand or sit near columns, posts, or other obstacles that may serve as shelter in case of danger.
- Look around, fix possible places where you can hide.
- * Lock your Luggage so that no one can plant drugs or an explosive device on you.
- If a stranger asks you to bring an item on Board the plane, refuse and immediately inform the security service.
- Never stand by luggage left unattended. It may contain an explosive device. Do not stand near bins, telephone booths, or other items that may contain an explosive device.
- If you have any suspicions, please report them to the airport security staff without hesitation.
- * Don't be curious. If there is a commotion or activation of the security services, go in the other direction.
(Based on the materials of «Антитеррор. Практикум для горожанина». Сборник/сост.: редакция сайта «Антитеррор. Ру»: Европа; Москва; 2005).