While the threat of attacks in public spaces are real, we can all take steps to prepare, protect, and help others.
Active Shooter
An active shooter is an individual engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and public space.
Vehicle Attacks
When terrorists use vehicles to target pedestrians, breach security barriers, and deliver explosive devices.
See Something, Say Something
If you see something suspicious, report it to authorities. In Wisconsin, call the Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center watch desk at 1-877-949-2824 and keep the five wโs in mind:
WHO
did you see
WHAT
did you see
WHEN
you saw it
WHERE
it occurred
WHY
it’s suspicious
Signs of Suspicious Activity
Expressed or Implied Threat
Threatening to commit a crime that could harm or kill people or damage a facility.
Surveillance
Prolonged interest in taking pictures/video of personnel, facilities, security features, or infrastructure in an unusual matter.
Theft/Loss/Diversion
Stealing or diverting items that belong to a facility or secured site.
Testing or Probing Security
Investigating or testing security and IT systems.
Aviation Activity
Operating or interfacing with the operation of an aircraft that poses a threat.
Breach/Attempted Intrusion
Unauthorized people trying to gain access to a restricted area or impersonating authorized personnel.
Acquisition of Expertise
Gaining skills or knowledge on a specific topic, such as flying a plane or facility security.
Eliciting Information
Questioning personnel beyond mere curiosity about an event, facility, or operations.
Misrepresentation
Presenting false information or misusing documents to conceal possible illegal activity.
Cyberattack
Disrupting or compromising an organizations information technology systems.
Recruiting/Financing
Funding suspicious or criminal activity or recruiting people to participate in criminal or terrorist activity.
Sabotage/Tempering/Vandalism
Damaging or destroying part of a facility, infrastructure or a secured site.
Materials Acquisition/Storage
Acquisition and or storage of unusual materials such as cell phones, radio controllers, or toxic materials.
Weapons Collection/Storage
Collection or discovery of unusual amounts of weapons, including chemicals and other destructive materials.
Sector-Specific Incident
Actions which raise concern to specific sectors, such as power plants, regarding their personnel, facilities, systems or functions.
Report Suspicious Activity
Public safety is everyoneโs responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority. Many states have designated a unique โtip lineโ to collect reports of terrorism-related suspicious activity.
Protecting Yourself…
…Before a Mass Attack
- Stay alert. Always be aware of your environment. Be aware of any possible dangers and any possible safe spots in case an attack occurs.
- See Something, Say Something. Report suspicious activity to authorities.
- Learn lifesaving skills. Take trainings such as โYou Are The Help Until Help Arrivesโ and learn first aid to assist injured before help arrives.
- Sign up for active shooter preparedness training. Check with your local police or sheriffโs office if there are any active shooter preparedness training events in your community.
…During a Mass Attack
- RUN, HIDE, FIGHT
- Run to safety. Getting away from the attacker is the top priority. Leave your belongings behind and get away. Call 911 when you are safe and describe the attacker, location, and weapons. Help others escape, if possible, and prevent people from entering an area where the attacker may be. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE INJURED PEOPLE.
- Hide in a safe spot. Cover and hide if you cannot get away. Find a place to hide out of view of the attacker and put a solid barrier between yourself and the threat if possible. Lock and block doors, close blinds, and turn off lights. Keep silent.
- Fight. As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt the attack or disable the attacker. Be aggressive and commit to your actions. Recruit others to ambush the attacker with makeshift weapons such as chairs, scissors, and books. Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the attacker
- If a fall occurs while running. Curl into a protected position and get up as soon as possible to avoid being trampled
- Help the injured. Take care of yourself first and help those who are injured get to safety and provide immediate care, if able.
…After a Mass Attack
- When law enforcement arrives.
- Remain calm and follow instructions.
- Keep hands visible and empty.
- Report to designated areas.
- FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. Evacuate in the direction law enforcement tells you to go.
- Share updates as you can with family and friends.
- Seek professional help. Be mindful of your mental health. If needed, seek help for yourself and your family to cope with the trauma.
