Civil defence issues reminder over evacuation shelters, protocol

The civil defence on Monday issued a reminder regarding the procedures of finding and using evacuation shelters, should needs require, after the British Akrotiri air force base was hit by a drone shortly after midnight.

“Due to the unstable and fluid situation in the area, the public is being proactively informed that, in the event of such circumstances, sirens will sound in the affected areas and announcements will be made through various channels, including radio and television, to inform the population to head to the nearest shelter,” it said.

It added that shelters can be located through the civil defence’s ‘SafeCY’ mobile application, or alternatively, people can telephone the civil defence at 22 403451 or 22 403452.

“If there is no shelter nearby, the public is urged to remain in a safe place inside their home or business, such as underground car parks and areas with solid walls. Staying indoors is preferable to staying outdoors,” it said.

On this front, it said that in the event of such an emergency, “trained neighbourhood watchers” will be positioned to direct and assist those who require assistance.

Those who find themselves in locations with no nearby shelters are urged to find spaces in their homes away from windows, doors, and glass, and to take shelter.

They are also urged to have with them a portable radio, a torch, and first aid supplies, including water, dry food, and a first aid kit.

In the event of an emergency, people are urged to stay face-down and to cover their heads with their hands. Those who find themselves outdoors with no time to seek shelter are urged to lie on the ground, preferably in a pit or a ditch.

Thereafter, they are urged to remain calm and follow instructions issued by the authorities.

Those using civil defence shelters are urged to locate their nearest shelter in advance and prepare an emergency kit containing “basic items” including water, dry food, first aid supplies, a torch, batteries, a radio, medication, important documents, cash, and baby food if they have babies.

On the mobile application, users can find their nearest shelter either by allowing the application to access their location, which will allow them to see in real time their nearest shelter, or by entering an address.

According to official guidance, if an alarm sounds, it says, people must “proceed to the nearest shelter following the instructions of the relevant authorities”.

“Stay calm and try to access various sources of information,” it adds.