Terrorism: How do I protect myself at home?

Here is a new public safety announcement from the Home Office. As government web sites are supposedly under severe strain today (they appear no more sluggish than usual to us), Al Regizeera is doing its bit for the Home Front by publishing in full the British Government's advice on anti-terrorism measures for homeowners. So when you see those anthrax spores coming, duck and cover. Don't forget, folks, to stock up on batteries and baked beans. And never, never let those credit cards out of your sight.®

Simple preventative steps

• Terrorism is a crime like any other, so follow the same precautions you normally take to avoid being the victim of a crime.
  
  
• Continue to go about your day-to-day business in the normal way, but remain alert and vigilant. For example, keep an eye out for suspect bags, packages or vehicles, or people acting suspiciously at stations and airports, and report anything suspicious to the police or the appropriate authorities.
• Trust your instincts; if you feel something is wrong, ring the police.
• For warnings about possible bombs or other immediate threats, call 999.

  If you have tip-offs or confidential information about possible terrorist activity, call the police anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.

• Many terrorists seek other identities to protect themselves. Don’t help them by leaving important identification documents such as passports and driving licences vulnerable to theft.
  
  
• Terrorists need money to finance their operations. They get it by both legal and illegal means. Make sure you are not funding terrorists: take care of your credit cards and other financial records, and do not donate or contribute to a collection if you are unsure where the money is going.

Most of us make familiar journeys on auto-pilot.

Take note of your surroundings on your journey to work, to the shops and the usual places you visit. Know who and what you expect to see each day within your neighbourhood and your workplace.

Ask yourself:

• Is there anything out of place?
  
• Is there anything there that is not usually there?
  
• Is your home / workplace as you left it?

Have the phone numbers of your local police, council, utility companies and family members handy in one place.

Make sure you know where the main switches for electricity, water and gas are located in your home, as you may need to turn them off in an emergency.