Shelters are temporary shelters for residents to protect themselves from debris, shrapnel or shock waves during an air attack. For those living in individual houses, it is recommended to set up a high security room – this is a room (room) with signs of cover, where people who are hiding can also protect themselves from emerging threats.
The municipality of the capital aims to expand the network of shelters and to provide temporary protection to all Vilnius residents near their homes, work, and educational institutions. Recommendations for residents of individual houses are the search for intermediate solutions, how the residents feel safer knowing which rooms of the residential house are more reliable to withstand kinetic threats.
“We are rapidly expanding the network of shelters in Vilnius – we have identified more than 2 thousand suitable premises, we evaluate them and provide recommendations for improvement. However, Vilnius Civil Protection on the map it can be seen that there is a lack of shelters in the blocks of individual houses. We aim to ensure the safety of every citizen of Vilnius, so we have prepared recommendations on how to set up a high security room in your home. The preparation of each of us for various situations is a guarantee of greater security,” says Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
It is important to emphasize that each case is individual, so the recommendations for the installation of an increased security room should be adapted to specific situations.
Look for the most reliable premises
In order to install an additional security room, it is not necessary to build something new – it is enough to adapt the existing rooms. This may be suitable, e.g. a sauna or a storage room – the most important thing is that in an emergency it is possible to quickly vacate the room and adapt it for safe use.
It is recommended to first find the building project and find out the type of building construction and which walls are load-bearing (they are marked with a thicker line on the plan). The increased security room can be installed between load-bearing brick or reinforced concrete walls. It is best to choose a place where the distance between the load-bearing walls is the smallest and the room has no external walls. The destructive effect of the blast force can be reduced by maximum protection of the soil from the outside.
If the room is in the basement or below ground level, it would be good to install it as close as possible to the stairs and ensure as many escape routes as possible. They can lead through the stairwell or other rooms in the basement. On the opposite side of the evacuation route, an emergency exit must be provided – a shaft raised to the ground level. Air flow paths should also be installed.
It is necessary to make sure that the door rests against the wall structure around the entire perimeter, and there are no structures near the exit that can close it. Finally, the door should open to the outside of the room so that the blast wave doesn’t blow it out.
Windows, glass doors, etc., can be an additional hazard in a high security room. objects. If, however, there is glass in the safest place in the house, it is important to have measures to protect yourself from possible shards.
A metal or wooden shield mounted on firmly screwed brackets in the wall, glass traps, nets, sandbags can contain the shards. The latter, stacked up to the ceiling, can also serve as an additional support. The glasses can also be covered with furniture, but they must be fixed in such a way that they do not fall due to the force of the impact. However, the room should have tools to help you get out of the room if the building collapses.
Only the most important things are in the cover
After setting up the room, it is necessary to familiarize the family members with the action plan: who runs to hide first, who takes the pet, who closes the door, etc. It is recommended to test the plan in practice and practice.
It is also a good idea to have the right inventory. The high-security room should be equipped with modular furniture, alternative sources of electricity supply, and a dry-type toilet.
You should also have water, food, and hygiene products, so that, if necessary, you can spend a longer period of time in the room. It is worth having alternative light sources, an antenna and a radio.
A memorandum of recommendations for residents of individual houses is published here.
window.fbAsyncInit = function() {
FB.init({
appId: ‘117218911630016’,
version: ‘v2.10’,
status: true,
cookie: false,
xfbml: true
});
};
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {
return;
}
js = d.createElement(s);
js.id = id;
js.src = “https://connect.facebook.net/lt_LT/sdk.js”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
#live #detached #house #Gave #recommendations #install #alternative #shelter #Business
**Interview with Nigel B. Cook, Author of “Your Home As An Air Raid Shelter”**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Nigel. Thank you for joining us today. Your book, “Your Home As An Air Raid Shelter,” provides some insightful information on how to make homes safer during air attacks. Can you briefly explain the concept of indoor shelters?
**Nigel B. Cook:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. Indoor shelters are designed to protect individuals from debris, shrapnel, and even shock waves that can occur during air attacks. The primary idea is to create a high-security room within your home, where you can take cover in the event of an emergency. This room should have specific structural features to withstand potential threats.
**Interviewer:** That sounds very important, especially in times like these. I’m curious about the suggestions for residents living in individual houses, which you mention in your book. What should they consider when identifying a safe room?
**Nigel B. Cook:** Great question! Residents should look for existing spaces that can be quickly converted into high security rooms. Basements, saunas, or large storage areas can be excellent choices. The key is to select a room that has thick, load-bearing walls and ideally no external walls. This minimizes the blast force’s impact and provides a safer environment.
**Interviewer:** That’s valuable advice. The municipality of Vilnius has also developed recommendations for creating these safe rooms. How can people adapt their homes based on these guidelines?
**Nigel B. Cook:** Yes, municipalities play a crucial role in guiding residents. Following their recommendations, individuals should first study their building’s plans to locate load-bearing walls. The room should ideally be situated close to escape routes and stairwells for quick evacuation. Additionally, effective securing of doors and reinforcing windows is essential to prevent injuries from shattered glass or debris.
**Interviewer:** What are some of the specific features residents should include in their high security rooms?
**Nigel B. Cook:** First, the door should open outward and be tightly sealed to prevent it from being blown in by a blast wave. Additionally, incorporating protective measures like metal shields or sandbags can help contain any glass shards if windows are present. It’s also crucial to establish proper air circulation and evacuation routes in case of prolonged sheltering.
**Interviewer:** As the safety protocol evolves, how important is it for every household to have a plan in place?
**Nigel B. Cook:** It’s essential. Every household should not only have a plan but also understand that preparations can significantly enhance safety. We encourage residents to regularly review their emergency protocols and adapt them based on their specific living situations. Being proactive can save lives during critical moments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Nigel, for sharing your expertise on this topic. Your insights will surely empower individuals to take necessary steps to ensure their safety.
**Nigel B. Cook:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial for everyone to feel safe in their own homes, and I’m glad to contribute to that conversation.
