Speaking on behalf of Counter Terror Expo, the annual exhibition and conference, Mr. Phillips said, "We have to face the reality that locations such as primary schools, shopping malls and leisure centres are all potential targets for terrorist attack today. They should all develop and rehearse an emergency response plan just as they do with fire drills."

Drawing on his extensive experience of counter terrorism, Mr Phillips makes certain recommendations.  Firstly, we must understand that a terrorist attack is very different situation to a fire and there are different options to consider.

While evacuation is usually the standard response to a fire, a security emergency may instead necessitate a lockdown, as sending people out could be more dangerous. Authorities need to establish where the safe places are in the premises.

When or if hiding from the attackers, people should create a barricade, stay away from doors and remain quiet.  We should also consider and prepare for how we might communicate in an emergency, e.g. alarms or group texting. People should be ready to communicate key messages, such as "Stay away from corridors and evacuate through windows."  Unless evacuating, everyone should stay away from windows which can cause numerous injuries in the event of an explosion.

Understanding the need to communicate with the emergency services and what they need to know is of utmost importance, e.g. the number of suspects, the types of weapons they are using, their location or direction of travel.  And finally, first aid kits and people trained to use them are an essential.

Mr Phililips recommends that public locations and organisations should practice these types of plans just as they would do with a fire drill.