In times of emergency, it is important to know what to do. The Israel Home Front Command provides a helpful guide on how to seek shelter during rocket and mortar attacks.
Where to seek shelter
The Home Front Command’s “How to Behave in a Qassam Rocket or Mortar Attack” video provides a quick explanation of how to act.
Indoors
- If you are in an apartment, office, or other structure with a protected room (חדר מוגן – cheder mugan | ממ”ד – mamad | מקלט – miklat), use it.
- If you are in a building without a protected room and on the topmost floor, you should enter the staircase and head down. If the building is over three stories high, head down two flights of stairs; if it is only three stories high, head down one flight.
- In other cases, follow these instructions:
Outdoors
Driving
- Stop by the side of the road, leave the vehicle and enter the nearest structure or cover.
- If you are unable to reach a structure or shelter within the given period of time, lie on the ground face-down and cover your head with your hands.
- If neither of the above instructions can be complied with, pull over and remain inside the vehicle for the next 10 minutes.
How long to stay in the shelter
- After 10 minutes, you may leave the protected area, unless… otherwise instructed.
- Stay clear of unidentified objects.
- Should you see a rocket lying on the ground, prevent gathering of bystanders and inform the security forces.
Details were taken from Hebrew and English articles of the Home Front Command’s website. Stay up-to-date with the Home Front Command by Facebook, by calling 1207, or by checking their website. Let’s hope that we won’t need these instructions for very long or ever again.
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