Knife attack or attacker at school: what to do? Run, hide, call 112

Attacker at school or in a building: what to do, step by step

⏱ 3 min read

Knife attack: run, hide, call 112. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

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First, right now

Run if there is a safe route. Move away from the attacker, leave your belongings, help others get away but do not stop. Warn people not to go that way.
Cannot get away? Hide. Lock the door, block it with desks or a cupboard, switch off the lights, silence your phone including vibration. Stay away from doors and windows. Be quiet.
When you are safe, call 112: where you are, how many attackers, what they look like, what weapons they have and where they are going. If you cannot speak, stay on the line.

Then

Teachers: lock the classroom, count the pupils and calm them in a whisper. Do not open the door to anyone until the police confirm it is them.
When the police arrive: hands visible and empty, do not run towards the officers, follow their instructions. At first they do not know who the attacker is.
Last resort, when the attacker is right next to you and your life is in danger: act together with others, throw objects, block them. Only when there is no other way.
Parents: do not drive to the school and do not call your child, a ringing phone can give away their hiding place. Wait for the school or police to tell you where to collect them.
Someone is injured: press hard on the wound with a clean cloth. For heavy bleeding from an arm or leg, put a tourniquet above the wound.
Afterwards, talk with your child about how they feel. The school, a counsellor or a children’s helpline can help.

When to call 112

Always, as soon as you are safe. Every call counts: give the location, number of attackers, their description and which way they are going.

What not to do

Do not film or take photos instead of getting away.
Do not leave your hiding place to see what is happening.
Do not post where you are hiding or photos from the scene: the attacker may be reading.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if someone with a knife comes into the school?

Run if you can do it safely. If not, hide in a locked and blocked room, silence your phone and stay quiet. Call 112 when you are safe.

Should parents go to the school during an attack?

No. The road must stay free for the emergency services, and calling your child can give away where they are hiding. Wait for the school or the police.

What is Run, Hide, Tell?

The UK police advice for a weapons attack: run if you can, hide if you cannot, and tell the police by calling as soon as it is safe.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other scenarios

Sources

Scientific literature and guidelines

WHO: Psychological first aid, guide for field workers

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.