Sheltering
In certain emergency situations, the public is alerted by a warning signal called a "General Warning," which has a fluctuating tone. When this signal sounds, it is most important to immediately find a safe place inside the nearest solid building and follow the instructions of emergency services and authorities. This simple action is usually enough to stay protected.
A safe indoor space can be our home, school, workplace, or another public building (such as a shopping mall or municipal office). A bus stop or the interior of a car are not suitable places for shelter.
What situations require sheltering?
- A severe storm or tornado
- A high concentration of toxic smoke caused by a fire
- A release of hazardous substances into the surroundings
- A risk of radiation leakage
We should remember that when we hear a siren with a fluctuating tone lasting for 140 seconds, it is a warning signal. This signal is called a “General Warning” and indicates a general threat.
What do other acoustic signals mean?
There are two other acoustic signals we may encounter in Czechia: the Fire Alarm and the siren test. The first one summons volunteer firefighters to respond to an incident. The second one tests the functionality of the sirens and usually takes place on the first Wednesday of each month.
How can we be warned about danger?
- By rotating or electronic (“speaking”) sirens
- By local information systems (such as municipal announcements)
- By mobile warning and information systems (such as mobile sirens, warning sounds and loudspeaker announcements from emergency vehicles)
- By mass text messages (SMS)
- By members of the responding emergency services
- By radio and television broadcasts
What to do when we hear a warning signal?
- Quickly take shelter in the nearest building.
- Close all doors and windows properly. Seal any gaps, turn off ventilation and air conditioning.
- Having a reliable source of information is an advantage. Television and radio play a key role during emergencies. In case of a power or internet outage, a battery-powered radio will help.
- Avoid using mobile networks unnecessarily to prevent overloading and disruption.
- Follow the instructions of rescue services and authorities. Stay safe in our shelter and wait for further instructions from emergency services or responsible authorities.
- Avoid buildings with large glass surfaces and those in poor technical condition.
We should remember that some dangerous substances can’t be seen or smelled. In every case, we take warnings from authorities seriously.
Sheltering during a windstorm or tornado
- Stay away from windows.
- Use a basement, cellar, or a windowless room on the lowest floor (such as a bathroom, closet or hallway).
- If it is not possible to move to the lowest floor, find shelter in the centre of the building.
- In a small structure without foundations (like a cabin or mobile home), leave immediately and seek out the nearest solid building.
- In open terrain, look for shelter in low or uneven ground to gain at least some protection from falling trees and flying debris.
- Avoid forests due to the risk of falling trees.
Sheltering in case of a hazardous chemical leak
- Choose an upper-floor room on the side opposite the source of danger. Most hazardous chemicals are heavier than air and tend to stay near the ground, which means they can enter basements or ground-floor rooms more easily than upper floors on the downwind side.
- Prepare improvised protection for airways and body surface in case evacuation becomes necessary.
Sheltering in case of a radiation accident
- Use an enclosed brick or concrete space (such as a basement or cellar room) that offers the best insulation from radioactive substances outside.
- Have improvised protective equipment ready for airways and body surface in case evacuation is required.
More information about hiding can be found on the website Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. Detailed instructions on the use of improvised respiratory protection and body surface protection are also available there.
