How to act in the event of an air raid raid and drone attack: safety instructions

What to do at home, on the street and in transport

Ukraine has stepped up drone strikes on Russian territory, reaching parity in the number of strikes carried out, and sometimes even outpacing the Russian army. During June, Russia was attacked by several thousand drones. Dozens of cities have been attacked; in many cases, drones target oil refining (which has led to a fuel shortage in the vast majority of Russian regions), industrial facilities, and in some, they hit residential buildings. In addition, cruise missile attacks are carried out. How to act in the event of an air strike and how to keep yourself safe - “Layout” instructions.

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How to act during an air attack?

The public warning system must announce an air raid warning; it must begin with the signal “Attention everyone.” In an ideal situation, loudspeakers, television, radio and mobile notifications on phones are used to deliver it in advance. In reality, the signal can often sound simultaneously with the first explosions or even after them. Or it may not sound at all - as was the case during the massive drone attack on Moscow .

If you do hear the continuous sound of sirens, you need to immediately turn on the TV, radio, or open the official channel of the regional authorities in one of the instant messengers. A declared missile or drone threat means that residents of the attacked city should immediately seek shelter. Further actions depend on where the alarm occurs.

How to act in the event of a missile or drone attack at home?

Determine in advance the safest place in your home. This place should be windowless and separated from the street by two main walls - one will absorb the explosion, the other will protect it from shrapnel. The best option is a corridor, toilet or storage room, a little worse is a bathroom (where fragments can damage a pipe with boiling water or a gas water heater), the worst are rooms with windows facing the street. A safe place should be free of breakable objects: it is better to remove vases, remove doors with glass inserts in advance or at least cover them with cloth.

Stay in a safe place if an impact occurs now. If explosions have not yet been heard and there is no time, it would be a good idea to go down to the semi-basement, if it is open, or to the bomb shelter, if there is one. Its location should be known in advance. As well as whether it works. As “Vestka” previously reported, it is quite possible that there are shelters near the house in theory, but some of them are flooded, and some are closed, and no one knows where to look for the person with the key.

The elevator cannot be used unless it is specifically designed for evacuation.

Don't come out of cover immediately after the first explosion. Often the first wave of drones or missiles is followed by a second strike. Wait for the official all-clear signal or at least half an hour.

How to act in the event of a missile or drone strike on the street?

Try to leave open spaces, get away from crowds if you are in a public place. If possible, find the nearest shelter: a bomb shelter, a metro station, an underground passage or parking lot, a semi-basement, or at least a ditch or a large pothole in the asphalt.

Do not hide under trees or under the walls of buildings, especially near storefronts and glass facades. If you hear explosions, close your eyes and ears, open your mouth and scream. This can help save you from contusion and ruptured eardrums.

If you are on public transport (and it is not an underground subway), try asking the driver to stop, get out, and find a suitable shelter. If you can’t get out, try taking the fetal position: pull your knees to your chest, fold your hands at the back of your head, cover your head and neck with a bag, backpack or thick clothing.

What should you not do in the event of a missile or drone attack?

First of all, stand by the windows. The second is to approach unexploded drones or bombs. Do not touch strange objects in the bombing area; it could be an explosive cassette or an explosive device.

In Russia, unlike Ukraine, there is no criminal liability for filming the consequences of explosions, but by posting them online you risk facing a harsh reaction from the authorities, including an unfair one. In a number of regions, large fines have been introduced for such videos.

Photo: Muscovites look at the fire at the Moscow Oil Refinery after a drone attack. Anadolu via Reuters Connect

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