Kenya is still coming to terms with the heinous attack of the recent DusitD2 complex. In the wake of all this, there are families that will continue to hurt, for their loved ones are no longer with them. Many more are still dealing with the trauma of being so close to death.
Security consultant and head of Executive Protection Services, Mr George Musamali, says there is need for people to be trained on what to do in case of a terrorist attack.
He explains that undergoing active shooter drills, the same way fire drills are done for people to learn how to assimilate the situation, is vital.
This, he adds, will create alertness on how to react in a shoot-out. Besides that, there is need to have assembly points for different scenarios so that people can know where to gather in such instances.
There are no standard procedures when dealing with a bomb or an active shoot-out situation. His advice is that for every situation, one needs to know the mode of operation of the attackers to decide how to act, Mr Musamali further explains.
“Looking at the case of the DusitD2 attack gives the impression that many did not know what to do, as evidenced by the many short messages I received from people inside the building asking me what they were supposed to do,” he says.
Securex Agencies Limited CEO Tony Sahni says that people should take time to note the evacuation plan and emergency exits of their workplaces in case of an emergency.
Tony Sahni – CEO Securex Agencies (K) LTD. PHOTO| COURTESY
“Be aware of access routes, entrance and exit points when visiting a public facility, in case you need a speedy exit,” he says, adding that should one find themselves at cross fire, they should listen to instructions from the emergency response, who could be law enforcers, fire-fighters or other authorities, and trust them, for they have the expertise, equipment and a better sense of how to deal with such situations.