Initial Preparedness (Before a Crisis)
- Emergency Kit (Bug-out Bag):
Prepare a ready-to-go bag including essential documents (copies of ID and identification cards), cash, a flashlight, spare batteries, a power bank, a multi-tool knife, and other necessities. - Evacuation Plan:
Always anticipate the possibility of evacuation. Pre-plan your exit route from home and keep keys, shoes, and essential items near the entrance. - Preventing Separation:
For children and the elderly, place a note in their pocket or clothing with their name, contact number, and address.
Shelter and Safety During Airstrikes
When hearing sirens or explosions, follow these steps:
- Identify Safe Spots:
Stay away from windows, mirrors, and chandeliers. Safer areas include windowless rooms, under concrete stairs, or corners of load-bearing walls. - Protect Against Glass Shatter:
Cover windows with wide tape in an X pattern to reduce shattering hazards. - Proper Body Position:
If an explosion occurs nearby, lie face down, keep your mouth slightly open to reduce pressure on eardrums, and cover your head with your hands.
Technical Safety and Prevention of Entrapment
- Elevator Risk:
Do not use elevators under any circumstances; power fluctuations may trap you inside. - Electric Doors:
Switch parking gates and electric shutters to manual mode and ensure all household members know how to operate them. - Protecting Appliances:
Unplug sensitive devices (refrigerator, computer, television) to prevent damage from voltage surges.
Prevention of Deadly Incidents
- Carbon Monoxide (CO):
Do not use charcoal, camping stoves, or gas heaters without ventilation indoors. CO poisoning is common and often fatal during sleep. - Fire Safety:
Place candles on a metal tray away from curtains. Never leave open flames unattended. - Fuel Storage:
Store fuel only in standard HDPE containers, outdoors (balcony or yard). Leave 10% empty space for gas expansion.
Water Management and Hygiene
Power outages often stop water pumps, making water management critical:
- Immediate Storage:
As soon as power is cut, fill all containers, pots, bathtubs, and even toilet tanks (if clean), as water supply may soon stop. - Rationing:
Each person needs at least 2 liters of drinking water daily. Use water from open containers only for washing. - Purification:
If boiling is not possible, use chlorine tablets or add 2 drops of unscented bleach per liter of water and wait at least 30 minutes. - Minimal Water Hygiene:
Use wet wipes and alcohol-based solutions for personal and surface cleaning. - Waste Management:
Store waste in thick bags and keep it away from sleeping areas to prevent disease.
Medical Emergencies and Medication
- Essential Medicines:
Keep at least a one-month supply of critical medications (heart, diabetes, blood pressure). - Cold Chain:
Store medicines like insulin in a cooler or insulated bag with ice packs. - First Aid Kit:
Have bandages, antiseptic, anti-diarrheal medicine, and ORS powder available.
Food Management and Cold Chain
- Closed Door Rule:
A refrigerator keeps food cold for up to 4 hours and a full freezer for up to 48 hours if unopened. - Consumption Priority:
Consume perishable items first (dairy, meat), then canned goods. - Storage:
Keep food in a cool, dark, and clean place.
Body Temperature Regulation
- Cold Weather:
Stay in the smallest room, seal gaps with blankets, and wear layered clothing. - Hot Weather:
Keep curtains closed during the day and ventilate at night by opening opposite windows.
Communication and Phone Energy
- Optimization:
Use power-saving and airplane mode. Reduce screen brightness. - Light Diffusion:
Place a clear water bottle over your phone flashlight to spread light across the room. - Radio:
A battery-powered radio may be the only way to receive news during internet outages. - Analog Backup:
Write down emergency contacts and meeting points on paper.
Home Security
- Entry Alert:
Hang bells or metal objects behind doors to detect unauthorized entry. - Local Coordination:
Coordinate with trusted neighbors to help secure the building.