PLEASE NOTE: Escape. Hide. Tell. assets can be found via Hightail link – https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/57U03tRScC
NSW Police is supporting the national rollout of updated Escape. Hide. Tell. materials to ensure all Australians have access to clear and inclusive advice on what to do during an armed 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 Triple (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.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said keeping the community safe was the top priority of the NSW Police.
"Officers are highly trained and highly skilled to respond to any situation," Minister Catley said.
"This campaign is about making sure the community has access to practical steps to help keep themselves and others safe in the event of an armed incident before emergency services arrive."
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner of Investigations and Counter Terrorism David Hudson said Escape. Hide. Tell. was simple and clear advice members of the community should follow in the unlikely event of an armed attack.
"Our priority is keeping all communities safe. While police are trained to respond swiftly to armed threats, the public also plays a crucial role in protecting themselves and others," Deputy Commissioner Hudson said.
"Australians may notice more Escape. Hide. Tell. messaging in shopping centres, stadiums, transport hubs and universities, but this does not indicate any specific or imminent threat. It's about preparedness, not alarm.
"The messaging provides clear, practical steps that empower people to stay calm, make informed decisions, and improve their chances of staying safe in an emergency.
"We're committed to ensuring that everyone – no matter their language, background, or ability - understands how to respond if the unthinkable occurs."
NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker said Escape. Hide. Tell. was not new public safety advice but the updated materials were designed to help all members of the community remember what to do in stressful situations.
"Escape. Hide. Tell. messaging is an important component of protective security measures for crowded places," Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.
"The advice is an important and simple technique for the public to utilise in the event of an attack or life-threatening critical situation, such as an active armed offender.
"You may need to make quick decisions during an attack and be prepared to change your plan. Remembering Escape. Hide. Tell. will help you decide what to do.
"If you familiarise yourself with Escape. Hide. Tell. you will be better prepared to help protect yourself and others in an emergency – wherever you are."
The updated Escape. Hide. Tell. materials were introduced at the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee Business Advisory Group Forum today (Thursday 23 October 2025), which includes operators of major crowded places such as shopping centres, stadiums, transport hubs and universities. These organisations are being encouraged to incorporate the materials into their emergency procedures and staff training.
This advice is being provided so the public is prepared if there is an incident, not because one is expected. Preparedness is not about creating alarm. It is about ensuring people have confidence in their ability to respond if something goes wrong.
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 Triple (000) to speak with emergency services.
