Sirens, alarm, air contamination: what to do, step by step
Official warning. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone app and work without internet.
First, right now
- Go into the nearest building. In Poland, a rising and falling siren for 3 minutes means an alarm.
- Check official messages: radio, TV, emergency text alert, the RSO app.
- If there is a risk of air contamination: close windows and doors, switch off ventilation and air-conditioning, seal gaps.
Then
- Stay inside until the all clear. A steady siren for 3 minutes means the alarm is over.
- Air-raid alarm (missiles, drones)? Go to the basement or a shelter. In a chemical attack do the opposite: go upstairs.
- Keep food and water covered.
When to call 112
Several people have breathing difficulties, burning eyes or throat, or someone is injured.
What not to do
- Don't go outside to see what is happening.
- Don't make unnecessary calls. Keep emergency lines free.
See also
Keep it on your phone
SurvivalZone is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.
Other scenarios
- ⚡ Power cut
- 🥶 Cold, no heating
- 🚱 No water or unsafe tap water
- 🌊 Flood, water coming in
- 🎒 Evacuation in 10 minutes
- 🔥 Fire in the building
- 🌡️ Heatwave
- 🌪️ Storm, strong wind
- 🚀 Air attack: missiles, drones, bombs
- 📵 No signal, no internet
- ❤️ Someone is unconscious
- 🌍 Earthquake
- ⛵ Storm at sea, no internet
- 🚗 Road accident
- ☠️ Carbon monoxide or gas leak
- ❄️ Stuck in a car in a snowstorm
- 🌩️ Thunderstorm outdoors
- 🫀 Heart attack or stroke
- 🏊 Someone is drowning
- 🌲 Forest or grass fire
- 💳 Cards and cash machines not working
- 🦠 Epidemic, dangerous infectious disease
- 🧒 A child is missing
Sources
- Polish government safety guide (MON, MSWiA, RCB, 2025)
- Government Centre for Security (Poland)
- BBK guide "Vorsorgen für Krisen und Katastrophen" (Germany)
Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-10-18.
General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.