This isn’t exactly the most ‘festive’ post I’ve ever written but I feel that if I don’t write it, I’m neglecting my duty of care to my students and their families.
Twice in the last 12 months Exeter has been subjected to one active and one ‘potential’ terrorist attack. Both times the media has seen fit to photograph and film the exact process used to evacuate people and the exact places to which they will be evacuated.
In light of this I thought I would share some not very jolly information with you.
It is becoming common practice amongst terrorists to use a Primary, or even distraction device, that will cause an evacuation. A Secondary device is then detonated in the crowd, achieving a far higher kill ratio than would have been achieved with the Primary or distraction device.
Unfortunately this is not the end of it. A third or Tertiary device is also used and is usually detonated once the First Responders and Emergency Services are busy dealing with the casualties caused by the Secondary device (since that is where the majority of casualties would be).
This was highlighted by the foiled nightclub bombings in London. Cars filled with explosive were placed
at the exact point to which people would be evacuated in the event of an attack. It was only pure fluke and bad build design that allowed the event to be safely remedied.
The best advice that I can give is;
- Don’t shop on the weekend or on Late-night Thursday. If this means some inconvenience or shopping online then surely that’s better than the alternative.
- If you are caught up in an evacuation go home. Don’t wait around town hoping that the shops will be re-opened. If this means leaving your car and catching a bus or taxi (Taxis would actually be safer), then do it. It’s better than the alternative.
- Be Vigilant. Keep aware of what’s going on, be wary of bags lying around and you will become a Hard Target. If you ‘feel’ something is ‘wrong’, listen to your inner voice and let the authorities know.
A false alarm is better than worrying about feeling ‘silly’. Imagine how you’ll feel if you ignore a bomb that causes casualties.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas!