by Ann Caimen

Created on: June 02, 2009

A terrorist attack can mean several things: a bomb, a hostage situation, or a driveby shooting. Don't believe the lies that you're safer in certain parts of the world than you are in others. Terrorist attacks may be less likely in certain countries, but they can happen anywhere. Even though the situation is scary, try to stay as calm as you can. Your survival may depend on how well you're able to think. There's no way to be prepared for these things, but it is good to know what to do in these situations.

Bombings

How to react to a bombing really depends on how far away you are from the bomb. If you're far enough away that you can't see any of the damage and only see a puff of smoke, there's not much you can do. You are probably not in immediate danger. Call for help and alert the authorities. The most you can do is stay out of the way so emergency medics and police can get there as quickly as possible. If you're near the blast, stay low. Listen for people calling for help. If you see someone who's stuck or can't walk, help them. You would want the same. Stay out of the way of medical personnel. Once medical personnel arrive, get out of the area unless they are asking for volunteers. Otherwise you may just be getting in their way.

Hostage Situation

In a hostage situation, the most you can probably do is wait for rescue or release. If you're not the only hostage, don't try to be hero. A mistake could just get some of the other hostages, or yourself, killed. Follow instructions. Try to stay calm. Only fight back if you think there's a good chance of success. For example, if one gunman is holding four people hostage, you could probably take him down as soon as he isn't paying attention. If there are several gunmen who are keeping a close eye on you, fighting back and trying to escape might not get you anywhere. Waiting for rescue or release is really your best option.

Driveby Shooting

A driveby shooting can be meant to hit specific targets. People can also be hit by mistake, or driveby shootings can just be to kill people randomly. Stay down. Wait for everything to get quiet again. Then help anyone you see who needs attention and call for help. If you saw anything that might help investigators, repeat it in your head over and over so you'll remember it when you're asked. If you're not on the scene, but you heard gunshots call the police and stay in your home.

Don't go to the scene of the incident. You'll just be getting in the way and causing a bigger headache for the police. Above all, do your best to stay calm.

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