The Blue Book: A Guide to Personal Security Physical Threats

• Escape if you can
• Consider the safest options
• Is there a safe route? Run. If not, Hide
• Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?
• Insist others leave with you, but don’t let their indecision slow you down
• Leave belongings behind
• Do not attempt to film the incident. Run

• If you cannot Run, Hide
• Find cover from gunfire
• If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you. Cover from view does not mean you are safe. Bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal. You must still hide, even If you are behind a locked door
• Find cover from gunfire like behind substantial brickwork/heavy reinforced walls
• Be aware of your exits
• Try not to get trapped
• Be quiet, silence your phone and turn off vibrate
• Lock/barricade yourself in
• Move away from the door

Call 999 – What do the police need to know? If you cannot speak or make a noise, listen to the instructions given to you by the call taker:

• Nature of the Incident: What is happening?
• Location: Where is the incident taking place? Give an address or general location
• Suspects: Where are the suspects?
• Direction: Where did you last see the suspects?
• Descriptions: Describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons if possible
• Further information: Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages 
• Stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so

• Follow police officers' instructions
• Remain calm
• Avoid sudden movements that may be considered a threat
• Keep your hands in view

The police officers may:

• Point guns at you
• Treat you firmly
• Question you
• Be unable to distinguish you from the attacker
• evacuate you when it is safe to do so

You must stay safe. Consider these points:

• What are your plans if there was an incident?
• What are the local plans? (personal emergency evacuation plan, first aid training or more)
• Consider first aid when it is safe to do so

A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm. Hazardous substances are classified on the basis of their potential health effects, whether acute (immediate) or chronic (long term).

If you think someone has been exposed to a hazardous substance, use caution and keep a safe distance to avoid exposure yourself.

Tell those affected to:

Remove themselves

• They should leave the immediate area to avoid further exposure to the substance
• Fresh air is important
• If skin is itching or in pain, find a water source
• REPORT to the emergency services 999 

Remove outer clothing

• Try to avoid pulling clothing over the head, if possible
• Do not smoke, eat or drink
• Do not pull off clothing stuck to skin

Remove the substance

• From skin using a dry absorbent material to either soak it up or brush it off
• Rinse continually with water if skin is itching or in pain

Remember: Exposure is not always obvious.

Signs can include:

• The presence of hazardous or unusual materials
• A change in environment such as unexplained vapour, odd smells or tastes
• Unexpected signs of skin, eye or airway irritation, nausea, vomiting, twitching, sweating, disorientation, breathing difficulties
• Be aware of your surroundings and move away from suspicious items.

Act quickly. These actions could save lives.

For further information visit our REMOVE. REMOVE. REMOVE: Guidance on hazardous substance exposure webpage.

It is possible that your profession or association with an organisation could lead to protesters gathering at your home or work.

If this happens:

• Stay calm – Such protests may intimidate but will not necessarily lead to a physical threat
• Remain inside
• Close and lock doors and windows and draw the curtains/blinds
• If this happens inform the police using 999
• Inform your workplace/colleagues/family members
• Do not, in any way, respond to or antagonise the protesters
• Remain indoors, out of sight and avoid confrontation
• If possible, note descriptions of individuals, vehicles present and location of protestors (including numbers)
• If you have a CCTV system fitted that has recorded images of protesters, you should hand any footage obtained over to the police; it may assist with identification and provide evidence in cases where offences have been committed
• Postpone any expected visitors
• Await the arrival of the police