Terrorism Awareness & Preparedness

Members of the public should remain alert to the threat of terrorism and report any suspicious activity immediately. In an emergency, call 999. To report concerns relating to possible terrorist activity confidentially, contact the UK Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

The threat from terrorism continues to evolve, with both domestic and international threats presenting challenges to organisations, public spaces, and critical infrastructure. As methods and tactics change over time, maintaining awareness and preparedness remains an essential part of effective security management.

Security begins with awareness. Businesses should take a proactive approach to understanding risks within their environment and develop practical plans to protect people, property, and operations.

This includes preparing clear response procedures, considering how to safeguard staff and visitors during an incident, and ensuring appropriate measures are in place to support recovery and business continuity following any disruption.

By promoting vigilance, planning, and preparedness, organisations can strengthen resilience and create safer environments for employees, customers, and the wider community.

ETHANE Reporting Protocol

ETHANE is a structured reporting protocol used by emergency services and first responders to communicate critical information quickly and accurately during an incident. It enables the first person or officer on scene to provide clear situational updates and support an effective emergency response.

E – Exact Location

Provide the precise location of the incident:

• Confirm the full address or nearest junction
• Identify the geographic scale and extent of the incident

T – Type of Incident

Describe the nature of the incident:

• Explosion
• Building collapse
• Firearms incident
• Suspicious activity
• Other major or critical incidents

H – Hazards

Identify known or suspected hazards:

• Number of hostile persons (if applicable)
• Presence or suspected presence of weapons
• Structural risks, fire, chemicals, or other dangers
• Consider the potential for secondary threats or devices
• Assess whether evacuation or invacuation is necessary and safe

A – Access Routes

Provide information to support emergency access:

• Confirm safe routes for responders
• Identify blocked, restricted, or unsafe access points

N – Number of Casualties

Report casualty information where possible:

• Approximate number of deceased and injured persons
• Types and severity of injuries
• Any immediate medical priorities

E – Emergency Services

Confirm emergency service attendance and requirements:

• Identify which emergency services are already on scene
• Confirm additional resources required
• Support joint dynamic risk and hazard assessment with responding agencies

Suspicious Items – Guidance for the Public

If you discover an unattended or suspicious item, follow these basic safety principles:

• Do not touch, move, or interfere with the item.
• Where safe to do so, try to identify an owner in the immediate area.
• If the item remains unexplained or appears suspicious, report it immediately. Do not assume someone else has already done so.
• Notify a member of staff, security personnel, or call 999 if no assistance is available. Avoid using a mobile phone in the immediate vicinity if there is concern about a suspicious device.
• Move to a safe distance and encourage others nearby to do the same. Even for smaller unattended items, create space and follow any instructions given by emergency services or site personnel.

Always prioritise personal safety and follow guidance provided by emergency responders and authorised staff.