Terrorism

Stay informed

Changes to the current terrorism threat level will be published on the Australian National Security and SA Police websites, and through radio and television news services.

Crowded places self-assessment

If you are the owner or operator of a place where large groups of people gather, you are encouraged to complete:

• a self-assessment from SA Police to help inform you of how attractive your crowded place may be to terrorists
• a Crowded Places Security Audit to assess the security of a crowded place and how protected it may be from a terrorist attack.

Bombs and suspicious packages

Bomb threat

If you receive a bomb threat over the phone:

• stay calm
• don't panic or make return threats
• listen for any identifying information from the caller eg gender, age, background noises
• ask the caller:
  • what the threat is
  • when the threat may be carried out
  • where the threat may be located
• keep the person talking as long as possible to obtain as much information as possible
• once the call is finished do not hang up as it may be possible to trace the call
• write down the information
• call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police
• if you are at work, inform management
• evacuate if considered necessary.

Bomb explosion

If a bomb explodes:

• call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police or ambulance
• protect yourself from falling debris
• get to an open space or protected area quickly and calmly
• stay away from tall buildings, glass windows and parked vehicles
• follow instructions from emergency services
• remember that an explosion may affect your hearing.

If you are caught in a fire:

• stay low to the floor, as smoke and heat rises
• use the emergency exit to get out of the building quickly and safely
• don't use the lift.

Suspicious packages

If you receive a package that appears out of the ordinary - eg from an unknown source, is badly wrapped or addressed, has oily stains, or excessive weight:

• don't open, tilt or tamper with the package
• leave the package where it is and immediately clear the area
• call Triple Zero (000) and ask for 'police'
• if applicable, alert the building security staff or floor fire warden
• wait in a safe place until emergency services arrive, and follow their instructions.

If you think the package may contain dangerous chemicals:

• if possible wash your hands with soap and water
• if you experience any immediate physical symptoms call Triple Zero (000) and ask for 'ambulance'.

It is an offence for Australians to intentionally enter, or remain in, a declared area in a foreign country where a listed terrorist organisation is engaged in hostile activity. Information about places you can't go is available on the Australian National Security website.

If you are planning to travel overseas and are concerned about your safety, visit the Smartraveller website for the government's official risk advice. On the Smartraveller website you can also:

• sign-up to get security updates for the countries you're visiting
• register your travel plans
• find information about travel insurance.

Most travel insurance policies will not cover claims arising from events in countries where the Australian government advises against travel due to threats of terrorism or civil unrest. Read Smartraveller's advice on travel insurance.

Assistance to victims of terrorism

Through the Australian Victim of Terrorism Overseas Payment, the Australian government will provide financial assistance to Australian residents who are harmed as a direct result of declared terrorist acts. For further information refer to the Department of Human Services website.