Seeking shelter
Taking cover is essential in situations where there is an immediate and direct threat to your life and health. This could be a major accident involving hazardous chemicals, an explosion, a military attack, or another unexpected event. The purpose of sheltering is to protect yourself from shockwaves, fire smoke, flying debris, shrapnel, and other direct dangers. The best place to shelter is the nearest room with solid walls, away from windows. In an emergency, speed is crucial – use whatever options are available at the time.
How and where to take cover?
In the event of an immediate threat, the government will issue shelter instructions via various public warning- and media channels. If you hear sirens, receive an EE-ALARM message, or see/hear rockets or suspicious drones — take cover immediately, wherever you are! Only seek further information once you are confident you are safe.
Taking cover at home
If you are inside a building, stay there. Move to the lowest floor, into a room with solid walls, away from windows (e.g. a basement or stairwell). Follow the “two-wall rule” — try to find a spot where there are at least two walls between you and the outside air.
Taking cover in an office or public building
If you are in a public building (e.g. a shop, school, library), move with others to the lowest floor, into a room with solid walls, away from windows or glass walls (e.g. basement, stairwell, storage room). Use the “two-wall rule” — find a space with at least two walls between you and the outside. Help others if needed.
Taking cover on the street
If you are on a street, find the nearest indoor space with solid walls, on the lowest possible floor, away from windows and glass walls. If you cannot enter a building, find a spot where you are shielded by walls or other barriers on at least one side — even a ditch or hollow will help. In the worst case, lie down and protect your head with your hands. If there is a risk of explosion, cover your ears with your hands and open your mouth — this helps protect against the shockwave.
Note that public shelters or bunkers may be closed during normal times. These shelters are only opened in the event of war. If you are near one during a threat, you may take shelter there.
Taking cover while driving
If travelling by car or public transport on roads, find the nearest natural barrier and park there during the threat (e.g. forest, embankment). In urban areas, park near a building and take shelter inside. Do not leave your vehicle in the middle of the road, as it may obstruct emergency services.
Taking cover in the nature
If you are in nature, look for a natural barrier (such as a ditch, embankment, or dense forest) and shelter behind it. Avoid open areas! If no shelter is available, find a spot with at least one side protected, lie down, and shield your head with your hands. If there is a risk of explosion, cover your ears and open your mouth to protect against the shockwave.
Taking cover from air pollution
- If there is a risk of air pollution outdoors (e.g. chemical cloud, smoke from fire), close all windows and doors indoors and turn off ventilation.
- When sheltering, consider nearby hazards such as fuel tanks or gas containers — these directly affect the safety of those inside the building.
What happens after you've taken cover?
- Stay in safety until you receive confirmation that the danger has passed — for example, via an EE-ALARM message.
- Remember: shelters are designed for short-term use. They offer basic protection against the effects of explosions.
Conditions in shelters may be crowded, with limited space, and lack basic comforts such as heating, lighting, cooking facilities, or toilets. In a wartime situation you may need to stay in a regular shelter for up to 12 hours, or up to 24 hours in a reinforced bunker. - If the shelter becomes unsafe (e.g., after being hit), evacuate and seek safer cover, using emergency exits if necessary.
- Once the danger has passed and you leave the shelter, assess your surroundings carefully. Do not touch explosive devices (whether detonated or unexploded) or unknown objects. Report any findings immediately by calling 112. Offer help to others if needed and provide first aid.
- In the event of problems inside a shelter (such as a fire), call:
112 - ambulance, fire, police
1247 - essential crisis information
