What You Can Do

The brave reaction of Madrileños caught in the bomb attacks of 3/11 proves how resourceful people can be in the face of terror — even if they’re unprepared. Public vigilance and advance planning can’t eliminate the risk of attack, of course, but they can make plots more difficult to launch; they can help mobilize a fast, effective response if terrorists do strike; and — not least — they can help people overcome their feelings of powerlessness. So in the wake of the Madrid atrocities, governments and disaster-relief agencies are re-emphasizing what ordinary people can do to help foil a potential terrorist attack and, if one should occur, how to react. In a new poster campaign launched in London’s Underground network last week, the police urge passengers to report any bag or package that appears to be unattended. Three million people traveling daily on the network, the police say, can provide “millions of eyes and ears across the whole system.” London also placed plainclothes counterterrorist patrols in key subway stations. The French government raised its color-coded alert levels, doubling the number of soldiers patrolling sensitive sites.

Here are some practical tips for scary times: Be prepared …

If an attack occurs …