Industry Stories and News WORLD TRAVEL TRENDS BLOG
What to do in the Event of a Hostage Situation
If you hear or witness a hostage situation:
Remove yourself from danger by leaving the area
Notify the police
Be prepared to give the police the following information:
Location of incident
Number of possible hostage takers
Physical description and/or names of hostage-takers, if possible
Number of possible hostages
Any weapons the hostage-takers may have
Your name
Your location and phone number
If you are taken hostage:
Remain calm, be polite, and cooperate with your captors
DO NOT attempt to escape unless there is an exceptional chance of survival
It is safer to be submissive and obey your captors
Speak normally - DO NOT complain, avoid being belligerent, and comply with all orders and instructions
DO NOT draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, statements, comments, or hostile looks
Observe the captors and try to memorize their physical traits, voice patterns, clothing, or other details that can help you provide a description later
Avoid getting into political or ideological discussions
Try to establish a relationship with your captors
Captors are less likely to harm you if there is a bond or connection, regardless of how trivial
If forced to present the terrorists’ demands to authorities, either in writing or on tape, state clearly that the demands are from your captors
Avoid making a plea on your behalf
Try to stay low to the ground and away from windows or doors, if possible
In a rescue situation:
DO NOT RUN - drop to the floor and remain still
If that is not possible, cross your arms, bow your head, and standstill
Make no sudden movements that may be interpreted as hostile or threatening
Wait and obey instructions
Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a rescuer isn’t sure whether you are a terrorist or a hostage
Even if you are handcuffed and searched, DO NOT resist
If you hear or witness a hostage situation: