Know What To Do

Escape Hide Tell.

The Newmarket Business Association has been a member of the Crowded Places Business Advisory Group (CPBAG) since it was set up almost 5 years ago. Meetings are held throughout the year to discuss what’s happening in the various crowded places that are represented from across NZ – airports/ stadia/ transport hubs & stations/ shopping centres/ town centres/ tourism, hospitality and retail groups etc. We have great engagement and input from the Community Advisory Groups, and our Australian Crowded Places counterparts.  (To learn more about NZ's Crowded Places strategy – see here.)

It’s important to note that NZ’s current national terrorism threat level is LOW – meaning “a terrorist attack is assessed as a realistic possibility”.  Most of us are familiar with the phrases: in a tsunami – Long or Strong Get Gone; or in an earthquake – Drop, Cover and Hold; and in a fire – Stop, Drop & Roll. The CPBAG has been lobbying government for several years, to run a nation-wide campaign on the call to action in a terror attack - Escape Hide Tell (versions of this have already been adopted and promoted overseas). Our Minister of Police, Mark Mitchell, and Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers, are very supportive of running a campaign.

Knowing what to do in the event of a terror attack or Active Armed Offender situation could save lives. Here’s what you need to know:

ESCAPE           

If you see a safe way out leave the area immediately.  Move quickly and quietly away from danger if it is safe to do so. Take your mobile phone with you if you can, but do not go back to get it if it puts you in danger.

Leave other belongings behind.

Encourage others to go with you, but don’t let their hesitation slow you down.

If you cannot escape completely…

HIDE               

Stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone. Secure your environment by locking doors and windows and barricading entries where possible.  Stay away from doors and be as quiet and still as possible so you do not give away your hiding place. Note any potential exit points.

As soon as it is safe to do so…

TELL                

Police by calling 111 when it is safe. The more information you can give about your location, surroundings, the attackers and the events that have occurred, the better.

You may be asked to stay on the line and provide further information that the operator requests or if the situation changes.

If it is safe to do so, try to obtain the following information:

• exact location of the incident.
• description of the offender/s and whether they are moving in any particular direction.
• details of any weapons being used.
• number of people in the area and any that have been injured.
• the intent of the offender/s (if known or apparent).

Always try to be aware of your surroundings. If you see a commotion, hear screams, gunfire or loud noises, try to identify where it is coming from. If you think it is dangerous, consider what you can do to keep yourself safe.  For example, you may have to hide before you have the opportunity to escape.  In some situations you may still need to hide once you have escaped the immediate area.

If you come across any injured people while hiding, providing first aid may help save their lives. But only help if it does not put yourself and others in any danger.

Try to stop others from entering the area, but only if it doesn’t put you in any danger.

Do not move closer to see what is happening - this may put you in danger.

Consider looking for something you can use to defend yourself as a last resort if you are found by the attacker.

Please remember, New Zealand is still one of the safest countries on earth, but knowing what to do either here at home, or when travelling overseas, could save your life and the lives of others.

END