'Increased threat': Dutch military raises alert level

Maintain calm

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

In the face of tension and violence, it's important to stay calm, even though controlling your nerves can be a challenge. Take deep breaths and aim to maintain composure. This will help you think logically about the necessary next steps for your survival: running, hiding, and alerting others.

Escape

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

If you can escape without alerting the terrorists, choose that course of action. Encourage others to join you and leave their possessions behind. Nonetheless, assess whether it is feasible to prioritize your own safety without compromising the well-being of others.

Safe routes

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

If given the opportunity to flee, it is advisable to assess the available exits and choose the safest options. Consider if there is a secure alternate pathway.

Discretion

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

When beginning your exit, remember to be as inconspicuous and quiet as possible, ensuring you remain unseen by the attackers.

Hide

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

Keep in mind that if a terrorist is visible to you, it is likely that he can see you too. Take precautions against gunfire, but avoid getting into situations where you could become trapped.

Look for cover

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

If feasible, find hiding spots or use furniture as makeshift barricades to shield yourself from the criminal's sight. This will make you safer, even if the measures are inadequate or improvised.

Get away from suspicious items

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

The police advise keeping a safe distance from potential bombs by avoiding weapons and suspicious objects, like an abandoned bag.

Complete alert

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

Remain vigilant of your surroundings and the street at all times. Even cities deemed 'safe' have faced attacks, so if you notice any disruptions or suspicious activity, remove your headphones and stay alert.

In contact with the police

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

These questions may include the suspects' location, their last known whereabouts, and descriptions of them (number of individuals, outfits, and weapons). Be prepared to provide this information when calling.

Stay attentive

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

Report unattended bags or suspicious behavior to the authorities immediately.

Travel safely

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

When using trains or metros for transit, it's advisable to select either the first or last car. Incidents of this nature have previously taken place on the middle cars of these modes of transport. 

When the police arrive, get out of the area

Maintain calm, Safe routes, Discretion, Look for cover, Get away from suspicious items, Complete alert, In contact with the police, Stay attentive, Travel safely, When the police arrive, get out of the area

When the police arrive to cordon off the danger zone, it is important to keep a safe distance. Large groups of spectators can hinder the police's work and potentially facilitate another assault.