Ukraine’s New Air Raid Alert System: What the Yellow and Red Levels Mean
Ukraine has revised its air threat warning system. Instead of a single alert signal for various types of attacks, two levels have been introduced: yellow and red. At the same time, a separate government app will be developed on the Dii platform to display up-to-date information on air threats, including the movement of drones and missiles.
Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi provided further details on the system.
Yellow and Red Alerts: What Do They Mean?
The new system is a response to changes in Russian attack tactics. Specifically, this refers to the prolonged use of drones, which means air alerts can significantly disrupt the functioning of cities, businesses, and infrastructure.
According to the government’s plan, people should receive clearer information about the nature of the danger and understand how to act in a specific situation.
Therefore, air threats are to be classified into yellow and red levels.
Yellow threat level: what it means
A yellow threat level will be declared in the event of a risk posed by Russian drones.
Under the new system, the siren will sound for 30 seconds during a yellow alert. For the public, this will be a distinct signal, different from the warning for a more dangerous missile or combined attack.
One of the main changes will affect the operations of businesses and institutions. During a yellow alert, they will be able to continue operating provided they comply with safety requirements and have accessible shelters for employees and visitors.
For businesses that do not yet have a protective structure, a three-month transition period will be provided to set up the necessary shelter.
Facilities must also be clearly marked so that people can quickly determine whether there is a shelter or other safe place inside.
What Does a Red Alert Level Mean?
A red alert level will signal the danger of a missile or combined attack. In this case, the siren will sound for one minute.
Unlike the yellow alert, during a red alert, businesses and institutions must cease operations, and people must proceed to the nearest shelter.
Thus, the main difference between the two levels lies not only in the duration of the siren. They will have different meanings and require different responses.
How Schools and Daycare Centers Will Operate During Alerts
No separate operating procedures will be implemented for educational institutions. In kindergartens and schools, regardless of the declared air threat level, children and staff must proceed to a shelter.
In other words, the relaxations provided for the operation of businesses and institutions during a yellow alert do not apply to the educational process.
An app about air threats will be created on the Diia platform
Another component of the new system will be a dedicated government app based on the “Diia” platform.
According to Serhiy Koretskyi, it is intended to be the sole source of information where users can access up-to-date data on air threats.
The app will provide information about air raid alerts, the movement of Shaheds and other drones, as well as missiles.
The idea is for people to receive not only the danger alert itself but also more information about exactly what is happening.
What Will Change With the All-Clear Signal
The government is also discontinuing the practice of sounding the siren again after an air raid alert has ended. Now, the signal will be sounded when a danger is announced, and there are no plans to sound the siren again once the alert has ended.
Furthermore, the authorities are working on a more precise geographic targeting of alerts. The main goal is to ensure the signal reaches only those areas where there is a real threat.
Why Are the New Rules and Categorization of Alarms Necessary?
According to Serhiy Koretskyi, the changes are intended to protect people while keeping the economy running during prolonged drone attacks.
To this end, the government plans to accelerate the installation of mobile shelters. Local authorities and business owners are expected to join this effort, and the state plans to provide co-financing.
Due to the new attack tactics, the possibility of granting Kyiv the status of a frontline city is also currently being considered.
Source: Fakty.
As a reminder, civil defense centers are not authorized to issue alerts during air raid alarms.
Kyiv has changed the rules for bridge traffic during air raid alerts.
New seating areas will be installed in the Kyiv Metro during air raid alerts.
