DON'T PANIC!

• What is terrorism?
• Who are the terrorists?
• Terror tactics
• When panic attacks
• Holidays in hell
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Common-sense advice

What can you do if you are caught up in a terrorist attack? How can you avoid them? Every incident is different, but there are a few basic common-sense guidelines:

• Keep your head. Stay focused. Think about what's happened, what needs to be done and what (if anything) you can offer.
• Don't be a hero. The emergency services may need assistance, but don't try to do their job for them – you could do more harm than good.
• Look after yourself. Don't refuse medical attention or the chance to rest. You may be injured and probably will be in shock.

It might also be an idea to brush up on your first aid skills, if you've got them – or get some if you haven't.

As for avoiding terrorist attacks, or even helping to stop them happening, the best advice is simply to be alert and keep your eyes open. Get to know your area and take note of anything suspicious or unusual. Don't get paranoid, but don't take any unnecessary chances.

But above all, don't panic. The threat of terrorism is real, but your chances of being involved in a terrorist incident are still very low. In 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States killed 3,000 people. In the same year, road accidents killed 3,000 people in Britain and 42,000 in America.

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New York

Safety officers survey the remains of the World Trade Center in the wake of the September 11 attack. Emergency procedures have since been re-examined and security checks stepped up in airports and public buildings around the world. Does this create disproportionate public anxiety?