It is unsurprising that the general public are living in fear at the moment.
After weeks of international attacks – leaving 129 dead in France, 224 dead on a Russian passenger jet, and 43 dead in Lebanon – intelligence analysts and administration officials have been forced to admit that they underestimated the reach of Islamic State extremists.
And now the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (Nactso) have published official guidelines on what we should do if we find ourselves caught up in a Paris-style attack.
What should I do if there's a terror attack?
RUN, HIDE, TELL
RUN
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Escape if you can.
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Consider the safest options
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Is there a safe route? RUN if not HIDE.
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Can you get there without exposing yourself to greater danger?
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Insist others leave with you.
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Leave belongings behind.
HIDE
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If you can’t RUN, HIDE.
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Find cover from gunfire.
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If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you.
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Cover from view does not mean you are safe, bullets go through glass, brick, wood and metal.
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Find cover from gunfire e.g. substantial brickwork / heavy reinforced walls.
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Be aware of your exits.
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Try not to get trapped.
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Be quiet, silence your phone.
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Lock / barricade yourself in.
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Move away from the door.
TELL
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Call 999 - What do the police need to know?
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Location - Where are the suspects?
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Direction - Where did you last see the suspects?
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Descriptions – Describe the attacker, numbers, features, clothing, weapons etc
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Further information – Casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits,hostages etc.
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Stop other people entering the building if it is safe to do so.
However, despite the growing feeling of unease, Prime Minister David Cameron has told the public that the best way to fight terrorists is to carry on with our lives as normal.
He told PMQs people wanting to travel to France should "carry on with their business" as usual, adding: "One way we can defeat terrorism is to show them we will not be cowed."