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Guide · GUIDE 21

Protection in terror & violence

Last reviewed on 22.06.2026

Attacks or acts of violence in public are rare in Switzerland, but can affect many people within minutes. For behaviour there is an internationally established rule of thumb conveyed by fedpol: Run – Hide – Tell. Running takes priority; if that is not possible, hide; only once you are in safety yourself do you alert the police via 117. This clear order helps you stay able to act in a chaotic situation.

The principle: Run – Hide – Tell

  1. RUN: away from the danger zone, use the escape route, leave your things behind, take others with you
  2. HIDE: if escape is impossible – behind solid masonry, lock/block doors, away from windows, lights off, phone silent (vibration off too)
  3. TELL: call the police 117 as soon as you are in safety yourself
  4. When the police approach: no hectic movements, show open hands
  5. In crowds, move calmly with the flow, look for edges and exits

How do I prepare for an attack?

  1. Internalise the principle «Run – Hide – Tell»
  2. In public places, casually note emergency exits and escape routes
  3. Know the police emergency number 117
  4. Practise staying calm and composed – this helps most in an emergency

After: after the event

  1. Follow the emergency services' instructions, respect closures
  2. Report your observations to the police, make yourself available as a witness
  3. In case of psychological strain, accept help (e.g. The Helping Hand 143)

What should I have ready for an attack?

Here almost no equipment matters, but behaviour and attention. The most important «equipment» is a well-rehearsed principle and an eye for exits.

  1. Charged phone with the police number 117
  2. The habit of briefly registering emergency exits in new places
  3. Knowing how to quickly set the phone to silent (for the Hide phase)
  4. Contact for psychological support (143) for afterwards

Common mistakes

  1. Filming or standing still instead of running
  2. Letting the phone ring/vibrate while hiding
  3. Running towards the police with objects in your hands or in a hectic way
  4. Pushing against the flow in a crowd
  5. Wanting to fetch belongings instead of getting to safety immediately

Official sources