Safety at UCT Prague

Follow the RUN – HIDE – FIGHT rule.

Call the Czech Police only when you are out of the attacker’s reach — emergency number 158.

First option: RUN TO A SAFE AREA

If possible, immediately run to a safe area outside the attacker’s reach:

• Choose corridors and exits that are out of the attacker’s sight.
• Run along the side of the route, not through the middle.
• If possible, use objects along the escape route as cover.
• Crouch while running.
• Get rid of anything that hinders your movement. Do not delay and never go back.
• Leave your personal belongings and valuables behind. Your life and health come first.
• Warn other people you encounter about the danger and take them with you to safety.
• If possible, and without putting yourself at risk, help others escape.
• Once in a safe area (completely outside the attacker’s reach), immediately call the Czech Police (158).
• Then inform the Security and Risk Prevention Department and the reception/security desk.

Second option: HIDE

If you cannot escape outside the attacker’s reach, hide so that the attacker cannot easily see or find you, and create a barrier between yourself and the attacker.

• Never remain in an open area.
• Ideally, hide in a room that can be locked and barricaded.
• Remain quiet, silence your mobile phone’s ringtone, and turn off vibration.
• Turn off the lights in the room and move away from doors and windows.
• Hide behind a solid object (always away from doorways).
• Call the Czech Police (158) and describe your situation (who you are, where you are, and what is happening).
• If possible, inform the Security and Risk Prevention Department and the reception/security desk.
• Do not communicate with anyone through the door and do not respond to any prompts or requests.
• Do not share photographs, videos, or related information on social media during the attack.
• Remain in your hiding place until the Czech Police arrive and continue to follow their instructions.

Third option: FIGHT (DEFEND YOURSELF)

If you cannot reach a safe area and cannot hide, take action. There is no other option but to defend yourself and fight.

• If your life is in immediate danger, fight.
• Try to incapacitate the attacker.
• Try to use the element of surprise.
• Use anything at hand to defend yourself — improvised weapons (a coat rack, chair, fire extinguisher, etc.).
• If you are in a group, use your numerical advantage.
• During the attack, be fast and aggressive and target vulnerable areas.
• If someone else attacks the attacker, join in.

When the Police Arrive

• The Czech Police’s priority is to locate and incapacitate the attacker.
• Try to remain calm and listen to their instructions (do not argue and always comply).
• Do not shout or make sudden gestures (keep your hands visible).
• Provide information about the attacker (number of attackers, weapon, appearance, clothing, direction of movement, etc.).
• Keep in mind that help for the injured is on its way.

Recommendations

• Czech Police instructional video “Run, Hide, Fight!”, with a version translated into Czech Sign Language.
• Instructional video in English: “RUN-HIDE-FIGHT!”
• Czech Television video “State of Emergency – Active Attacker”
• Recommended procedures and responses to a terrorist attack or active shooter.

Evacuation is initiated by raising the alarm through loud shouting of “FIRE”, striking a metal rod against a rail, or using the internal public-address system in the form of a warning signal (audible signal). The warning signal may subsequently be supplemented by a spoken announcement (verbal message) specifying the location, extent, and nature of the danger, together with brief information and instructions on the immediate action to be taken in the situation.

TAKE EVERY ALARM SERIOUSLY AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO EVACUATE REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ALARM IS PART OF A DRILL OR INDICATES A REAL EMERGENCY.