A national awareness campaign is currently underway in Poland to prepare the public for emergencies, particularly air raids. Since 5 September, TVP1 has been broadcasting the series «A Minute for Your Safety», based on the government’s «Safety Guide». It was prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, the Ministry of National Defence and the Government Security Centre (RCB).
Briefly about the main points
- The Polish handbook contains specific guidelines in the event of an air raid.
- Once the alarm has sounded, you are advised to make your way to your pre-selected shelter via the stairs.
- If an explosion occurs whilst you are outdoors, you should lie down, cover your head and find a shelter.
- People are advised to replace phone calls with text messages so as not to overload the networks.
- The instructions have been published by the government, and episodes of the programme are available on TVP VOD.
What to do after an alarm sounds
In the «Air Raid» section, residents are advised to, after alarm signal Head for a shelter along a pre-determined route. It is recommended that you take an evacuation rucksack with you and use the stairs to get down.
Preferred shelter, according to the guidelines, it should have no windows, sturdy walls and floors, a supply of fresh air and an emergency exit. You should not leave a safe place in a hurry.
What to do if you are outside when an explosion occurs
Anyone in an open area who hears an explosion is advised to lie flat on the ground, take cover in a depression if possible, and protect their head. It is also recommended that they check whether anyone nearby needs help.
During an emergency, please do not overload the telephone networks with calls. It is advisable to use text messages for communication.
What is the TVP1 educational series about?
The programme’s episodes explain how to pack an emergency rucksack, prepare a home emergency kit, recognise warning signals, draw up a family emergency plan and evacuate.
The campaign also covers natural hazards. The broadcasts on 19–20 September focused on floods and Alert RCB notifications — when they are issued, what they mean and what action to take upon receipt.
Where can I find the instructions, and what’s next?
Guidance on what to do during air raids is available on the Polish government’s website, and recordings of the educational series are published on TVP VOD following their television broadcast.
In October, TVP plans to hold the «Big Safety Test», and in November to broadcast the programme’s second series.
