Latvian State Security Service (VDD) has prepared a video to raise public awareness about steps to take in the event of a terrorist attack.
VDD draws attention to the fact that the publication of the video is not related to an increase in terrorism threats. Terrorism threat level in Latvia is currently low and the information at VDD’s disposal does not indicate any changes in the near future.
At the same time, taking the terrorism threat in other European countries into account, it is important for Latvian citizens to know the basic principles of correct behaviour in the event of a potential or an imminent terrorist attack:
- pay attention to suspicious individuals, bags and packages;
- do not approach or touch any suspicious objects;
- if you have noticed a suspicious object, leave immediately and inform security or the nearest member of security staff;
- leave your belongings – your life is more important;
- in the event of a terrorist attack, immediately inform emergency services by calling the emergency phone number 112;
- leave the area of danger, follow the instructions of security or staff, and if possible, help others;
- if the attack continues, leave by following the evacuation instructions;
- if it is not possible to get to safety, hide;
- while hiding, turn off the lights, the sound and vibration of your phone, as well as any other devices that make noise;
- once you are in a safe place, contact emergency services by calling 112;
- do not try to stop or engage the attacker yourself – leave it to the emergency services;
- upon arrival of police, do not make any sudden movements, keep your hands visible, provide the required information and follow any further instructions!
To sum up all of the above mentioned, if a terrorist attack takes place, RUN! If it is not possible to get to safety, HIDE! Once you are safe, INFORM!
Adherence to these principles in the event of a terrorist attack can help protect the lives and safety of you and your fellow citizens.
The video has been made in collaboration with the State Police Counterterrorism Unit OMEGA and Latvian Television, with the help of EU co-financing.
However yesterday, on 23 September, continuing to strengthen Latvia’s counterterrorism system, VDD conducted the full-scale national level counterterrorism exercise "Dinaburg 2025" in Daugavpils. More than 500 participants from different institutions took part in the exercise that closely replicated the conditions of real life situations to test their response measures and mutual cooperation in the event of terrorist threat and hostage crisis. Additional information is available here.
VDD is Latvia’s leading institution in coordinating the activities in the counterterrorism field of state and municipal institutions as well as other institutions involved in the counterterrorism prevention or response measures.
Information prepared by VDD
