Escape. Hide. Tell. materials have been updated to ensure all Australians have access to clear and inclusive advice on what to do during an armed offender attack.
Although Australia is a safe country, we are still at risk from weapons attacks. In the unlikely event that you are confronted by an attacker armed with a gun, knife or other weapon, being prepared and knowing how to respond can save lives.
The safety advice centres on three simple words that are easy to remember and act on in a moment of crisis: ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.
- Escape - move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it is safe to do so.
- Hide - stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.
- Tell - call the police by dialling Triple Zero (000) when it is safe.
The materials have been updated to reach all Australians, including culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, First Nations people and people living with disability along with their carers. The enhancements include translations in multiple languages and animated videos to improve understanding and recall.
Research shows that while many people instinctively know to move away from danger, fewer are aware of other critical actions, such as silencing their phone or calling 000 when safe. Exposure to Escape. Hide. Tell. messaging can significantly improve awareness and ensure people remember the steps they can take to protect themselves and those around them.
Specialist Operations Deputy Commissioner, and Chair of the ANZCTC Public Information Sub-Committee, Cheryl Scanlon said the safety of the community is always our top priority.
"Police are trained to respond rapidly to armed threats but the public also plays a vital role in keeping themselves and others safe," Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
"The Escape. Hide. Tell. materials help Australians understand how to respond in those critical first moments before police arrive. By knowing what to do, people can act calmly, make informed decisions and increase their chances of staying safe.
"By making these resources available in more languages and accessible formats, we're ensuring everyone, regardless of their background or ability, knows how to act in an emergency."
Security Counter Terrorism and Forensic Services Command, Assistant Commissioner Charysse Pond said the advice being provided today is so the community is prepared if there is an incident.
"Queenslanders should be assured that although they may see increased Escape. Hide. Tell. messaging in public places, it does not mean that we have information to indicate an attack is imminent," Assistant Commissioner Pond said.
"Our Security and Counter Terrorism Network plays a critical role in keeping Queenslanders safe and ensuring the community is prepared.
"We work with stadiums, shopping centres, schools, transport providers, and community leaders to make sure safety planning and training are consistent and effective right across Queensland.
"Protective Security Forums will expand to all 15 policing districts in 2026 and we are planning more preparedness training exercises for Cairns, Mackay, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Brisbane, and Logan."
The updated Escape. Hide. Tell. materials were introduced at the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee Business Advisory Group Forum on 23 October 2025, which includes operators of major venues, transport hubs and other crowded places.
Campaign materials are free and available on the National Security website: https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/what-can-i-do/what-to-do-in-an-attack
If you see something suspicious or are concerned someone may be a threat to the community, please contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 to speak with emergency services.
