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Air raid alerts: how to prepare a shelter at home and a family plan

Shelter for an air raid: a practical guide

⏱ 3 min read

Safe spot, bag, nearest shelter. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

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Since the war in Ukraine, governments across Europe have been publishing new advice on shelters and alerts. Poland, Sweden, Finland and Germany have all updated their guidance for citizens.

Preparing does not mean panic. It means a few decisions you make once: where to shelter, what to take, how to stay in touch.

Where to shelter

  1. The best places are public shelters; if there are none, a cellar or underground car park. In a block of flats, a stairwell or corridor in the middle of the building, on a lower floor and away from windows, is a good choice.
  2. Check the nearest shelters in advance on the map in SurvivalZone.app and in local authority information. Walk the route once, in daylight.

Prepare a place at home

  1. Choose a room with no windows, or with the smallest windows.
  2. Keep water, snacks, a torch, a battery radio, a first aid kit and something to sit on there.
  3. Tape windows in an X shape or cover them with film to reduce flying glass.
  4. Think about pets and the medicines of anyone who is ill.

A bag for a few hours

  1. As well as an evacuation grab bag, keep a small bag to take to the shelter: water, snacks, medicines, charger, torch, a warm top, and a toy or book for a child.

Alerts and information

  1. Learn your country's siren signals and turn on emergency alerts on your phone. Without internet, listen to public radio. Do not pass on unchecked information during a threat, because disinformation is part of modern conflicts.

Checklist

  1. Nearest shelter found
  2. Route to the shelter walked once
  3. A safe place at home chosen
  4. Water, snacks and a torch kept there
  5. A small bag for the shelter
  6. Emergency alerts on your phone
  7. A battery radio

See also

Frequently asked questions

Where should I shelter in a block of flats during an air raid?

If you cannot reach a shelter or cellar: in a stairwell or corridor in the middle of the building, on a lower floor, away from windows.

How do I find the nearest shelter?

On the shelter map in SurvivalZone.app and in information from your local authority or civil protection.

What should I take to a shelter?

Water, snacks, medicines, a torch, a charger, warm clothes and something for children. For a longer stay, your grab bag.

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Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.