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uk Personal safety & immediate danger

What to do if…
you hear gunshots or explosions nearby and do not know where to take cover

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Use a safe route away from the sounds if you can do so without exposing yourself to greater danger. If you cannot, hide behind the strongest available cover, move away from windows and doors, silence your phone, and call 999 when it is safe.

Do not do these things

  • Do not move towards the sounds to investigate.
  • Do not stand near windows, glazed doors, balconies or exposed entrances to look outside.
  • Do not cross an exposed area merely to reach somewhere that appears better unless the route is clearly safer.
  • Do not assume that being out of sight means you are protected from gunfire.
  • Do not stop to collect bags, coats or other belongings.
  • Do not film the incident or post your live location.
  • Do not make unnecessary noise once you are hiding.
  • Do not move back into danger to help someone while the threat remains active.
  • Do not assume that silence means the danger has ended.

What to do now

  1. Get out of direct view and move away from windows, glazed doors and exposed entrances. From the nearest safe pause, look for a route leading away from the sounds that does not take you closer to danger.
  2. If there is a clearly safer route, leave quickly. Encourage other people to go with you where possible, but do not let hesitation delay you, and leave belongings behind.
  3. If there is no clearly safer route, hide. Put a solid or heavy reinforced wall between you and the suspected danger where possible. Cover from view alone may not protect you from gunfire.
  4. Lock and barricade the door if you can, move away from it, remain aware of possible exits, and avoid trapping yourself in a place with no alternative way out.
  5. Silence your phone and turn off vibration. Keep quiet and limit anything that could reveal your position.
  6. If fire, smoke, falling debris, broken glass or visible building damage makes your position unsafe, use the safest available route away from both the hazard and the sounds.
  7. Call 999 when it is safe. Give your location, what you heard or saw, where the danger may be, descriptions of anyone involved, known injuries, and useful information about entrances or exits.
  8. If you need urgent police help but cannot speak, listen to the operator. Respond by coughing or tapping if you can and, if calling from a mobile and prompted, press 55.
  9. Once you are protected, check yourself and nearby people for injuries. Tell the 999 operator about anyone hurt and give first aid only when doing so will not expose you to danger.
  10. Remain in the safer location unless it becomes unsafe or the emergency services direct you to move.

What can wait

You do not need to decide whether the sounds were definitely gunshots, fireworks, machinery or an explosion before protecting yourself. Collecting possessions, contacting everyone you know, moving a vehicle, posting online, reviewing recordings and giving a detailed witness account can wait until you are safe.

Important reassurance

You do not need perfect information about the source or direction of the sounds before acting. Concentrate on the next safer choice: use a route away that does not expose you to greater danger, or hide behind the strongest available cover and contact the emergency services when safe.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Later decisions about medical assessment, reporting, returning to the area, property access or further support may require help from the police, health services, site staff or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This is general safety information, not professional security, medical or legal advice. If there is immediate danger or anyone is seriously injured, call 999 and follow the instructions of the call handler and emergency services.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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