Be alert:
While it's important to go about your daily business normally, it's sensible to be alert to anyone who might be endangering the public.
- Always report anyone acting suspiciously. Your information may be vital
- If you come across anything that might be linked with terrorist activity, tell the police - they want to hear from you
- Take note of odd or unusual behaviour by tenants or guests at a property - terrorists need somewhere to live
- Take note of any unusual security measures at a home or business premises
- Be aware of terrorists' scams to finance their activities: eg: bogus bank accounts, copied credit cards, returning goods for large cash refunds
- If you're a retailer, note anything suspicious about equipment purchases
- Make sure you know the security plans at your workplace, and what to do in an emergency
To report suspicious activity:
- Dial 999 in an emergency
- Dial Kent Police on 101 for non-emergencies
- Dial the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321
- Contact Crimestoppers - a national organisation independent of the police. You can talk confidentially on 0800 555 111
If there's a security incident:
Follow the instructions of the emergency services. In most cases, including bomb warnings:
- Go in to a safe building
- Stay in until you're advised to do otherwise
- Tune in to local radio or TV for more information
If there's an explosion nearby:
- Unless you've been advised otherwise by the emergency services, in most cases you should:
- Move away from the immediate source of danger
- Wait for the emergency services to arrive and examine you (if you leave unchecked you could contaminate others)
- If you've seen the explosion, stay in a safe place and tell the police what you saw
If the incident or explosion involves a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agent:
- The emergency services will quickly decontaminate you on the spot if necessary (this involves showering and temporary clothing), so that other people and areas, including homes, are not contaminated
- You may also be assessed by health service experts
If your building is evacuated:
- If the emergency services tell you to evacuate your home you should do so. Refusing to leave will put you, your household and those trying to help you at risk
- Local authority resources may be limited, so you should try to stay with an emergency friend
- If you're stranded, the council will provide basic accommodation at a rest centre
- Evacuation may be for some time, from a few hours to several months, so be sure to bring your emergency 'grab bag'
- If you have pets, plan where they can stay, as there'll only be basic facilities at the rest centre
- Rest centre staff are trained to give you support and advice. They'll help you through the stress of an evacuation and prepare you for what to do afterwards