The instruction first identifies the most likely types of hostage takers and their psychologies. This is followed by a discussion of the dynamics of the hostage incident. Four stages are described: alarm, crisis, accommodation, and resolution. For each stage of the incident, this paper instructs potential victims in attitudes and behaviors most likely to bring them safely through the hostagetaking incident. Some general survival principles are presented. One principle is not to lose hope that the incident will be resolved without death or injury to any party, including the hostagetakers. If hostages lose hope, this may foster despair among the hostagetakers, making them more dangerous. Other principles are to calm the hostagetaker, keep a low profile, try to rest, tell the hostagetakers if you are sick or require medicine, be observant and prepared to talk over the telephone. and carefully assess escape opportunities. 11-item bibliography