I just want to pass on a couple of sometimes obvious, yet very much ignored tips for people to remember regarding terror attacks in the form of suspect packages.
These strike a chord with me firstly because i spent enough time in N.Ireland on the wrong end of these, and also because it's Christmas. Why should Christmas remind me of suspicious packages? Because years ago we used to have to Christmas bombing campaigns by terrorists, and we are still being advised of threats of this nature today.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/police-warn-of-christmas-bombing-campaign-621831.htmlHaving seen first hand the damage just a few pounds of explosive can do, i can see why terrorists would relish a packed shopping mall or busy city centre around the holiday season.
Anyway, getting to the point of this thread....
1. Whilst you don't want the fear factor of terrorism to rule your life, always have it in the back of your mind when you are out and about in public. A basic awareness of "something out of place" or unusual for it's surroundings is something that is easily spotted by the more aware among us.
2. This could be something as simple as a bag, piece of luggage, briefcase, that kind of thing sitting innocently on a train or in a shopping mall. We used to get called to thousands of these every year. Most were of course simply forgotten items, however not all were that innocent.
3. First thing i used to tell everyone is, "Don't touch it!". Sounds simple i know, but you'd be amazed at how many people have picked up suspect packages, and even shook or opened the thing to see if it was a bomb! :
I've seen people lose their hands and a lot more by doing this. So leave it for the bomb squad, that's what they get trained and paid for. I appreciate that theres a judgement call whether or not you have to call out the bomb squad to every single package, but rather that than call the ambulances to a major incident.
4. Get out of the line of sight of the package. I was always taught, if you can see it, it can see you. Shrapnel from a bomb can move faster than you can. If you have the chance, just get well away from it. Don't get curious, don't get all brave and think you can attempt the "Lethal Weapon" method of bomb disposal, just leave it to the pros.
5. That said, the bomb squad will want as much info on the device as witnesses are able to get. Things like...
Where is the exact location of the suspect device? When i say exact, i mean as detailed as possible.
What does it look like?
When was it found?
Has anyone touched it?
If the device has been approached, which route was taken?
There are many other things they may ask, and will want to speak to the person who found it.
Most importantly, get everyone away from it. In public places or shopping malls, security can assist with this, so inform them asap. General rule of thumb is at least a couple of hundred metres from a small device, but as far away as possible is the best idea obviously. Even a small device can damage property which will in turn create more flying shrapnel and debris, all of which you don't want to be around.
I know this the age of the mobile phone, but don't use one anywhere near a suspect device, when the bomb squad arrives they will advise on phone signal useage just in case it interferes with the device.
Another thing to be aware of, watch out for secondary devices. If shoppers are corralled into a specific area, be aware that these safety areas have in the past been anticipated by terrorists, and subsequently they've planted other devices there too for additional casualties.
The sick people who make these devices are not stupid, they will not generally leave a ticking alarm clock next to a pile of dynamite, or a big black round ball with "BOMB" written on the side. They are usually very clever, sick yes, but clever. You however can put a spanner in their efforts by just remembering a few of the above points.
I don't want this to be a "FEAR" type thread, and i write it not just as an ex-soldier, but as a dad who will be around many a shopping centre this Christmas. I will be enjoying my time with my kids, whilst having in the back of my head these few bits of knowledge that could keep them safe. You don't need to get too involved unless you're the bomb squad.
I'm also aware that there are members here that have a lot more experience than me, so any other advice in this area would be most grateful.
Thanks,
CX.
