Israel Home Front Command

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:
  1. Enter the room farthest from the direction of the threat, with the smallest possible number of outside walls, windows and openings;
  2. Close the door and the windows;
  3. Sit on the floor (below the windowsill level) and lean against an interior wall. Do not sit in front of windows

Outdoors

  1. In a built-up area – enter the nearest building and act according to the instructions for persons taking shelter indoors;
  2. In an exposed area – lie on the ground face-down and cover your head with your hands.

Driving

  1. Stop by the side of the road, leave the vehicle and enter the nearest structure or cover.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

 

Israel Home Front CommandDetails 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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