Poland is preparing new guidelines for responding to air raid alerts
Starting Friday, September 25, Poland will begin distributing special instructions to the public in the event of an air threat. The instructions explain where to find a safe place, how to behave during an air raid alert, and what to do if an attack catches someone on the street or in a car.
The Polish government has prepared a 12-page guide for the public on how to respond to air attacks. Starting September 25, the guide will be posted on government websites and distributed to local authorities through provincial governors. Separately, the brochures will be distributed during events organized by the Academy of Civil Protection and Civil Defense. They will also be used during national and regional drills focused on emergency response.
Magdalena Roguska, Poland’s Deputy Minister of the Interior, explained that the new document does not replace existing recommendations for the public. “The guidelines are not a new ‘Safety Handbook,’ but rather a supplement to it,” said Roguska. The Polish Ministry of the Interior advises people to take care of the basics before a danger arises. In particular, people are advised to familiarize themselves with emergency alerts, identify the nearest shelter in advance, and plan a route to it.
They also advise families to prepare together. Family members should agree in advance on what they will do in case of danger, where they can meet, and how they will stay in touch. They also recommend having an evacuation backpack ready. If an air raid alert is sounded, and the route to the shelter is safe and there is enough time, people are advised to take necessary items and medications with them and proceed to the shelter. To do this, they are advised to use the stairs rather than the elevator.
If it is not possible to reach a shelter quickly, or if the route to it involves spending a long time outdoors, people are advised to stay inside a sturdy building. At the same time, they should choose a room with undamaged walls and a ceiling. In such a situation, the Polish Ministry of the Interior advises following the “two-wall rule.” This means ensuring that there are at least two walls between a person and the street, which can provide partial protection from debris and other hazards.
If an explosion catches you outdoors, you should lie down on the ground as quickly as possible. It is advisable to find a depression or another spot that can provide additional protection and to cover your head. There are specific recommendations for drivers. If an explosion or other danger occurs while a person is in a car, Polish authorities advise leaving the vehicle and moving to the nearest safe location.
The Polish Ministry of the Interior also urges people to follow official announcements. In the event of a threat, people are advised to follow the recommendations of the Government Security Center, emergency responders, the police, and other services. These guidelines are being developed as Poland increases its focus on civil defense and the public’s preparedness for various threats. The country is already conducting drills to practice responses to emergency situations.
Last Saturday, such drills took place in the Lublin and Podkarpackie provinces. The next ones are planned for the Podlaskie and Warmian-Masurian provinces. Thus, the new brochure is intended to provide people with a clear step-by-step guide on how to respond to an air threat—from preparing in advance to what to do during an attack. TVP Info reports on this.
