November 7th 2024.
People online have been expressing their discomfort with a video that was recently shared on Reddit, showcasing a practice armed attack announcement on the London Underground network. The video, titled 'Coming to a station near you', displays the alarm being set off and has sparked fear among some viewers.
While this warning has been a part of TfL's emergency procedures for quite some time, the nature of the announcement has left many feeling anxious. In light of this, we've compiled a list of the most unsettling announcements you may hear while traveling on the London Underground, starting with the most alarming one - armed attack.
The video on Reddit features two beeps followed by an announcer stating, "There is an armed attack. Evacuate now by the nearest safe exit while evading attackers." The person who shared the video, Reddit user Bulky-Chip927, explained that this message has been remotely installed in the stations. However, TfL has clarified that this announcement has been in place for years and is only used during routine testing procedures.
A TfL spokesperson confirmed that this announcement was carefully developed and tested with the input of the Department for Transport, the National Protective Security Authority, and British Transport Police to ensure the safety of passengers. They also reassured that London's transport network is generally a safe environment and that all operational staff are trained to handle emergencies and incidents.
Despite this, some Reddit users expressed concern over the potential panic and chaos that could be caused by this announcement. One user, Scrounger888, commented, "That's going to cause mass panic. Stampedes. Why not just say, 'We're having a bit of an issue, please exit the station in an orderly queue'?" Other users also suggested alternative phrases that could be used, such as "Inspector Sands" or "Mind the Gap."
Moving on from armed attacks, the next announcement that can cause a sense of unease is related to a fire. If there is a fire on a station or train, passengers will hear an announcement instructing them to evacuate immediately. This may vary in wording, but it will typically direct passengers to leave the station at street level or by train and follow exit signs unless told otherwise by staff. The spokesperson also emphasized that staff will always guide passengers to the safest route and advise them to take their belongings with them, unless instructed otherwise.
In the event of an incident on a train, staff will aim to evacuate passengers as soon as possible. An announcement will be made stating, "Attention. This train and station are now being evacuated. Please leave the train and exit the station. Follow any instructions given by staff." If the incident occurs in a tunnel, the train will continue to the next station and come to a stop, and passengers will be directed to the nearest exit upon arrival.
Another announcement that may cause frustration is related to signal issues. As most commuters have experienced, a red signal can mean significant delays and unhappy passengers. The announcement typically goes something like, "We are currently being held at a red signal and should be on the move shortly." However, sometimes these delays can last much longer, causing inconvenience to travelers.
On a lighter note, one of the most famous announcements on the London Underground network is "mind the gap." While this may confuse tourists, regular visitors and Londoners know that it is a safety warning to watch out for the gap between the train and the platform edge. This announcement was first heard in 1969 and was recorded by sound engineer Peter Lodge. It was later taken over by Oswald Laurence, who recorded it on the Northern line until his passing in 2007. To honor his legacy, TfL has digitalized his voice and can now be heard permanently at Embankment station.
Other announcements that passengers may hear at busy stations include warnings about pickpockets and a reminder to "See it, say it, sorted." This is part of a British Transport Police initiative to encourage people to report any unusual items or activities to ensure their safety and that of others.
In conclusion, while some announcements on the London Underground may cause discomfort or frustration, it is important to remember that they are in place for the safety of all passengers. TfL works closely with authorities to prepare for rare incidents and ensures that staff are trained to handle emergencies and guide passengers to safety. So next time you hear an alarming announcement, remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.
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