The Jakarta attack last week had left eight dead, and struck a nerve for many Malaysians.
The assault on the neighbouring country was too close to home, especially in the wake of similar attacks in Beirut, Paris and Istanbul in the past few months.
On its part, the police had acted swiftly to heighten vigilance and had made several arrests on terrorist suspects following the attacks.
In the unlikely event that you are caught in a terrorist shoot-out however, there are several steps you could take to maximise your chances of escaping unharmed.
These are detailed in the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines on responding to 'active shooter' incidents, and the UK Police 'Stay Safe' principles.
Run-Hide-Tell
Both guidelines urge members of the public escape and leave the area, if this can be done safely.
It says that you should leave their belongings behind and help others escape, as well as prevent others from entering the vicinity.
However, the importance of personal safety is repeatedly emphasised in the guidelines – People should be prevented from entering the area only if it is safe for you to do so, and the evacuation should take place whether or not others agree to follow you.
Additionally, the US guidelines also urge members of the public not to try to move those who have been injured.
Once safety is reached, only then you are to alert emergency services.
The UK guidelines contain some advice on what information should be relayed to the police, such as: Where the suspects were last seen, description of his appearance, weapons, and other features, and descriptions of casualties, hostages, entrances and exits.
If escape is not possible both guidelines urge that you should hide.
This should be away from the assailant's view, and should provide cover from gunfire in your direction.
The UK guidelines remind that bullets could go through glass, brick, wood, and metal, and suggest using substantial brickwork or heavy reinforced walls for cover instead.
Both guidelines advise that you be aware of any exits and try not to be trapped.
Lock the doors, barricade it, and remain quiet. Turn your phone on silent (not 'vibrate').
As a last resort, the US guidelines warn that you may have to put up a fight, but only when your life is in imminent danger.
These include throwing objects and using improvised weapons against the assailant, acting aggressively and yelling towards him, and committing to see through your attack, in hopes that it would disrupt or incapacitate him.
When police arrive
Both guidelines also describe what to expect from law enforcement officers when they arrive on the scene, and offer advice on how to react to them.
Among others, the UK guidelines warn that the police may not be able to distinguish you from the assistant, and may point their guns at you, treat you firmly, and question you.
The US guidelines says that officers will be shouting commands, and may push you to the ground.
Both guidelines advise that you keep calm and follow their instructions, and warned against sudden movements.
Your hands should be kept in plain sight, and any items that you may be carrying in them should be placed on the ground.
You will be evacuated only when it is safe to do so, and the first officers to arrive should not be expected to provide medical aid.
What about bombs?
Both guidelines are silent about responding to bombings, but the DHS has a separate guideline that addresses this.
If there are falling debris, take cover under a sturdy object such as a table, and leave quickly when this stop falling.
Do not stop to grab your belongings or make phone calls, and do not use the elevators. Stay low and close to the ground if there is smoke.
Once outside, don't stand near windows or glass doors, and keep clear of sidewalks and streets so that others can use to leave the area, or emergency services can use it to enter.
If you have become trapped in the debris, use a flashlight or a whistle to signal rescuers, or tap on pipes or walls.
Shouting should be a last resort because it may cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust. Avoid unnecessary movement to avoid kicking up dust.
The full guidelines can be found at:
Here's hoping that you will find this information useful, but never find the occasion to use it. -Mkini
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