For the purposes of prevention and timely adoption of self-protection measures, the Ministry of Interior issues the following self-protection instructions for citizens, with the aim of appropriate and proper preparation in the event of danger from hostile action.
Urban areas
1. How do I get notified in the event of an emergency due to danger from hostile action?
In such a case, sirens will sound in the affected areas and instructions will be given to citizens to seek refuge in shelters/temporary protection areas.
Civil Defense sirens are a means of immediately warning the population in cases of serious and/or generalized danger. The aim is to inform citizens in a timely manner and activate them to take self-protection measures.
The Civil Defense has trained and experienced personnel in the Neighborhood Watch Department, which patrols the affected areas and directs citizens.
2. When do sirens go off and what should I do if they sound?
Sirens are activated exclusively by the competent Authorities when there is an immediate or imminent danger that requires massive and rapid information.
The basic siren signals are:
Alarm Start: Fluctuating sound
It means: There is a serious risk and I must take immediate protective measures. I remain calm and get information from official sources.
Alarm End: Steady, continuous sound
It means: The immediate danger has passed. I remain cautious and continue to stay informed.
If I hear a siren:
· I stay calm and don't panic.
· I get information from authoritative sources, such as radio or television and the official communication channels of the competent Authorities on social media. I do not spread rumors or unconfirmed information.
· I prepare to move to a safe place or shelter, if instructed, and I do not move unnecessarily.
· I follow the instructions of Civil Defense and other competent Authorities.
3. How can I locate the nearest shelter/protection area?
Civil Defense shelters offer protection from explosions, debris and other hazards. Stays in shelters are short-term, until the danger has passed.
· I know in advance where the nearest shelter is located at my home or workplace, through the SafeCY application or through the Operations Control Center of the General Directorate of Civil Defense on telephones 22 403 451 or 22 403 452.
· I move to the shelter in an orderly manner and without panic.
· I follow the instructions of those responsible and do not leave the shelter without instructions from the competent authorities.
If I need to move to a shelter, I take with me:
· Identity or basic documents,
· A little money,
· Water, dry food and baby food, if I have children,
· First aid supplies,
· First aid medications or medications that I take as part of my medication regimen, and
· Flashlight, small portable radio and batteries.
4. What do I do if there are no shelters/protection areas in the area where I am?
If I am in an area where there are no shelters, I follow the following self-protection measures:
· I locate a space inside my home or workplace, away from windows, doors and glass.
· I have a portable radio, a flashlight and first aid supplies with me, such as water, dry food, medicine and a first aid kit (see leaflet with the emergency backpack).
· In case of alarm, I fall face down, covering my head with my hands.
· If I am outdoors, I fall face down, covering my head with my hands, preferably in a ravine, ditch or pit, if there is one nearby.
· I remain calm and follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
Communities adjacent to British Bases and Paphos Airport:
In the cases of the Communities of Pyla, Ormidia, Xylofagos, Xylotympos, Timi, Anarita and Madria, the Civil Defense has prepared, as a precaution, a plan for the possible evacuation of the areas and the Community Councils and Deputy Mayors have been informed accordingly.
For precautionary reasons, the residents of the areas were informed or will be informed today by the Local Authorities via the WhatsApp and Viber applications or by text message on their mobile phones, about the points that will temporarily function as protection areas, if necessary. Civil Defense Force personnel will be present at the predetermined areas to direct citizens and assist in their safe accommodation.
