The simplest shelters are basements and semi-basements, underground parking lots, and underpasses. They can hide during short shelling. The safest of them are those with several exits (one of them outside the house).

Such premises are usually used as shops, gyms, warehouses, etc. Owners need to be aware of emergency appointments and be prepared to give people access if necessary. We recommend that you arrange contact with the owners in advance (get phone numbers). Residents of cities with subways can also hide on station platforms or underpasses.

Please note that the subway will primarily operate as public transport to get people to a safe place in the event of an emergency. Therefore, if you go to the station, do not expect to stay there: you may be transported to another place.

The shelter is a sealed structure for an extended stay of people in case of emergency.

To find such premises look for “Shelter” or “Civil Protection Object” signs. There must also be a telephone number of the person who will open the shelter door in case of danger. If not, contact your local authority for information.

To prepare, we recommend that you

• clarify the addresses of the nearest shelters by phone or on the official website of the local authority
• write down 2-3 addresses of the nearest shelters in case the first shelter you come to is full
• study beforehand and walk the route to these buildings
• personally check their readiness and inform the local authorities if the shelter needs repairs

All citizens of Ukraine have the right to civil protection. Everyone can go to a shelter in any city or building. If a shelter is on the map of shelters, anyone has the right to take cover there.

A siren sounds but the shelter is closed. How to stay safe?

• Quickly try to contact the owner of the shelter and ask them to open the door.
• Quickly figure out where else there is a place to hide nearby. It can be the subway, ground floors and basements of buildings, underground parkings, or underpasses.
• If you are outside and have nowhere to hide and you hear explosions, immediately lie down on the ground and cover your head with your hands. Any ledge, even a sidewalk, a ditch, a concrete trash can, or steps can be a protection.

If you find a locked shelter during an alert

• Record it on a photo or video.
• Call the police (number 102) or rescuers (number 101).
• When the threat has passed, contact the district state administration.
• The administration is obliged to record your appeal and contact the owner of the shelter. Shelter must be properly maintained and opened during each air alert.

How to Find a Shelter

1. Through the Diia app
   Open the Diia app and find the shelter service. It shows nearby shelters on a map and helps you plan a route to them.
2. Through the “Where Is the Shelter?” chatbot (Telegram and Viber)
   If searching through a messenger is more convenient, use the “Where Is the Shelter?” chatbot. It can locate the nearest shelters using your geolocation or an entered address and suggest a route.
3. Through official maps of your city or region
   Many communities have official shelter maps on their city council or regional administration websites. The easiest way to find them is to search for “shelter + name of the city/community + map” and open the official website.
4. Prepare backup options
   Write down the addresses of 2–3 nearby shelters in case one is closed or overcrowded. Walk the route in advance to get a sense of how long it actually takes.

Where to shelter if you live in a village or small settlement

If your settlement does not appear on official shelter maps, find out in advance from the village head or local council where the designated shelters are and who is responsible for the keys.

Common options include the basements of:

• schools
• kindergartens
• outpatient clinics
• local council buildings
• cultural centers
• shops or warehouses (if they have underground premises)

Arrange access in advance and write down the contact details of the people responsible.

• How to Set Up a Basic Shelter

Choosing the Right Space

Select a space that:

• is below ground level (basement, ground floor, or underground parking);
• has at least two exits (or the possibility of organizing an alternative exit or route);
• has ventilation (natural or mechanical);
• is not used to store fuel, gas cylinders, chemicals, or flammable materials;
• allows all residents to enter quickly.

Minimum Safety Requirements Inside

Ensure the space contains:

• flashlights or battery-powered lamps, plus spare batteries or power banks;
• seating (benches, chairs, or folding mats);
• a first aid kit (basic supplies plus personal medications);
• a fire extinguisher with easy access;
• communication and information tools: charged phones, power banks, and ideally a battery-powered radio;
• drinking water and water for sanitation, depending on the expected duration of stay;
• a sanitary area: access to a toilet or a temporary alternative (sealed bags/containers and hygiene supplies), and a separate area for waste;
• warm items: blankets, thermal blankets, and extra clothing (basements are often cold and damp);
• clear passages and order: remove clutter, mark entrances and exits, and ensure safe movement inside.

What to Check in a Basement Shelter

Ventilation
Air must circulate freely, without strong odors, smoke, or stuffiness. If the shelter may hold more than 50 people, natural ventilation through existing shafts may not be sufficient. In such cases, mechanical ventilation — such as a ventilation fan — is recommended.

Electrical safety
Check the wiring and electrical panels, and ensure there are no exposed wires.

Moisture and mold
Ensure adequate ventilation, basic sanitation, and dehumidification if necessary.

Exits
Ensure exits are usable, unobstructed, and not permanently locked.

Hazardous objects
Remove any items that could fall, break, or catch fire.

Agreements with Residents

• Assign people responsible for keys and opening the shelter, water supplies, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
• Create a simple checklist of items to bring or replenish (water, batteries, hygiene supplies).
• Agree on basic rules: keep passages clear, store belongings compactly, and maintain quiet and mutual respect.

Walls and ceilings should be sturdy and free of cracks, so that partial building damage does not cause the basement to collapse.

Install reliable doors. They do not need to be airtight, but they should be sturdy enough to withstand blast pressure.

The shelter should be clearly marked with signs showing the entrance, exits, and contact details of the people responsible.

To ensure everyone can comfortably wait out an air raid alert, estimate how many people may use the shelter. According to State Emergency Service standards, approximately 0.6 m² per person is required — roughly the space of two kitchen chairs.

Plan for the possibility that people may need to remain in the shelter for at least two days.

Where Not to Set Up a Shelter

Avoid unfinished buildings, as they may have weak ceilings, no doors, or inadequate ventilation.

In many Khrushchivka-type buildings, basements are small, narrow, and often contain utility systems. Their structure may not withstand additional loads. Older basements may also have leaks, high humidity, hazardous materials, or poor ventilation.

If you are unsure about the protective capacity of your shelter — for example, if the walls are thin — you can reinforce them using sandbags, soil-filled bags, or concrete blocks.

If Shelter Is Needed During a Nuclear or Radiation Threat

What Shelter Is Best for Radiation Risk

During a radiation threat, the primary goal is to minimize contact with outside air and protect against ionizing radiation.

The best option is a civil protection shelter, such as:

• Shelter — a structure designed for long-term protection during emergencies.
• Radiation protection shelter (RPS) — a non-airtight structure designed to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation during a radiation hazard.

If no official shelter or RPS is nearby, you may temporarily use a basic shelter (a basement, ground-level basement, underground parking, or underpass). However, its protective capabilities will be lower than those of specialized structures.

Stay in the shelter until official announcements confirm it is safe to leave.

If you are indoors during a radiation hazard, minimize the entry of outside air: keep doors and windows tightly closed and avoid creating unnecessary drafts.

During wartime, metro stations serve as shelters in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, as well as the underground stations of the high-speed tram in Kryvyi Rih. These stations operate as shelters around the clock. Entry rules and operating hours may vary by city, so follow announcements at stations and official city updates.

Kyiv

During an air raid alert, entry to the metro as a shelter is managed through a controlled access point. During curfew hours, access to stations may be arranged with the assistance of law enforcement. Follow the instructions posted near the station entrance (you may need to use the call button or contact number provided).

Can you stay overnight in the metro if no air raid alert has been announced yet?Yes, but under certain conditions. All underground stations of the Kyiv Metro operate as shelters during air raid alerts around the clock. If you plan to stay overnight before an alert is announced — for example, when the entire region is already under threat and air targets are heading toward the capital — follow these steps:

• Arrive at the station before it closes for entry.
• Check the schedule for specific stations here: https://t.me/kyivmetroalerts/1933
• Inform station staff and the officer on duty that you plan to stay overnight.
• Go down to the platform, as the platform area serves as the shelter.
• Station staff will advise you on the best place to settle.

Important:
If no air raid alert has been declared and the metro is operating in normal passenger mode, entry is subject to standard conditions, including paying the fare.

Can you stay in the metro overnight after the air raid alert ends?

Yes. There are two options.

After the all-clear signal during nighttime hours, you can either:

• leave the station immediately after the alert ends (escalators will run for a set period to allow people to exit); or
• remain in the metro until morning, when train service resumes (stations usually begin passenger operations around 5:30 a.m.).

Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih

If you need a warmer or more comfortable space — for example, for parents with young children — ask metro staff about available options. Conditions may vary depending on the station.

Important:
identity documents may be checked while you are in the metro shelter, so always carry ID with you.

Do not leave the shelter until the all-clear signal has been officially announced.

The “Attention everyone” air raid alert signal is a sustained siren sound or intermittent horn blasts. If sirens are not working, the alert may also be broadcast through loudspeakers or vehicle horns (including State Emergency Service vehicles equipped with loudspeakers).

Not all areas of Kyiv and other cities are fully covered by sirens, so it is important to have a reliable way to receive air raid alerts.

Residents of Kyiv can receive alerts through the Kyiv Digital mobile app (App Store, Google Play) or the official Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA) Telegram channel.

The “Air Alert!” mobile app allows notifications to be set for different regions of the country (App Store, Google Play).

What to do when you receive an air raid alert

• Go immediately to the nearest shelter. If no specially equipped shelter is nearby, you can use underground metro stations, building basements, underground parking garages, or underpasses. More details about shelters are available in a separate guide.
• Alert your neighbors if possible.
• Remember that time is critical. Move to a shelter as quickly as possible, taking only your emergency bag. More information about emergency preparedness is available in a separate guide.
• Follow official updates and do not leave the shelter until the all-clear signal has been officially announced.
• Rely only on official and verified sources of information. More details are available in the guide on communication and information sources.

If you cannot reach a shelter: where to hide at home

The best option during an air raid alert is a properly equipped shelter. If you cannot reach one or it is unavailable, stay in your apartment away from windows and external walls.

The best option during an air raid alert is a properly equipped shelter. If you cannot reach one or it is unavailable, stay in your apartment away from windows and exterior walls.

The “two-wall rule”: what it is and how to apply it

The principle is simple: there should be at least two solid walls between you and the outside. This reduces the risk of injury from shattered glass or structural debris.

Important: this rule does not guarantee complete safety, so move to a proper shelter as soon as possible.

Which Windowless Rooms to Use at Home

Common options include:

• corridor / hallway / vestibule (if located closer to the center of the apartment);
• storage room / walk-in closet without windows.

How to position yourself:

• sit or crouch near an internal load-bearing wall;
• stay away from windows, balconies, mirrors, and large glass surfaces.

The Corridor — the Preferred Option

If you must choose between a bathroom and a corridor, the corridor or hallway is generally the better option under the two-wall rule, as it typically has fewer fragile surfaces such as glass or mirrors.

Bathroom: When It May Be Used and What the Risks Are

A bathroom is not a shelter and should only be used as a last resort if it:

• has no window;
• has no gas boiler or gas heater.

Things to consider in a bathroom:

• tiles and mirrors can become dangerous if they crack or shatter from blast waves;
• if there is a boiler, do not lean against it — position yourself near an internal wall, away from heavy hanging objects.

If possible, move to a corridor instead.

Stairwells: when they may be an option

A stairwell can be a backup option if there are no large windows or glass surfaces nearby and you can stay close to an internal wall rather than near windows or entrance doors.

If the stairwell contains a lot of glass or effectively places you on the exterior side of the building, it is safer to return to your apartment and stay in a corridor or vestibule, following the two-wall rule.

What to avoid at home

Avoid:

• rooms with windows, balconies, or loggias;
• standing directly opposite windows or near large mirrors and glass cabinets;
• the kitchen (due to risks from glass, heavy appliances, and other hazards).

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine calls the school system the most prepared for the challenges of war. The vast majority of general secondary education institutions already have shelters, shelters are being built, and the educational process has been adapted so that children from all regions can receive education no matter what. However, parents still have many questions and concerns, particularly about the safety of their children. This guide provides answers to the most common questions about the organisation of education during the war.

What is the situation with shelters in Ukrainian schools?

In the 2022/2023 school year, 80% of Ukrainian schools were equipped with shelters. This school year, 87% of schools have shelters, which is 11.8 thousand out of 13.6 thousand schools.

The process of arranging shelters is constant. Over the summer of 2023, more than 1,000 schools have been equipped with shelters, allowing them to resume full-time education. By the end of 2023, about 200 more will join them.

​​However, more than 900,000 students are currently studying remotely. This is primarily due to the situation in a particular region rather than the lack or availability of shelters. If it is close to a combat zone or the border with Russia, the alarm starts sounding there after the first explosion. Thus, the safety of children and school staff in such areas can’t be ensured.

Who determines whether a school shelter is suitable for students and by what criteria?

Before the start of the school year, the shelter must be inspected by a special commission. The commission necessarily involves representatives of the State Emergency Service, police, the State Food and Consumer Service, and local authorities.

Mandatory requirements for the simplest school shelters

Read the full list of recommendations for setting up a shelter here.

If the criteria are not met and the commission’s conclusion is negative?

The school’s administration makes a decision to introduce distance learning until the flaws identified by the commission are eliminated.

Where can parents of children complain if the shelter in a full-time or mixed-format school is in poor condition?

Parents can initiate a re-inspection of the shelter by the responsible authorities themselves. In this case, they should contact the education department of their city or district or the founder of the general secondary education institution – the city or village council. 

The commission will check the shelter again.

Are parents of students allowed to enter the school shelter during an alert?

Yes. Parents who have come to pick up their child or who have just brought their child to school should be allowed into the shelter and may stay there with their child until the air raid alert ends.

If the alarm starts while the child and the child’s parent or other legal guardian are on their way to school, they should go to the nearest shelter. In the school, if it is close, or to any other.

Are civilians who are not involved in the educational process allowed into school shelters during an alert?

​​Local governments manage the use of the fund of protective structures, which means that they determine the format of operation of shelters, including school shelters. It is local authorities that decide whether to open shelters in educational institutions to everyone when there are no classes. 

During lessons, the shelter must first and foremost accommodate students, teachers, and school staff.

That is why the educational process during the war is adapted so that during lessons as many people are in school as a particular school shelter can accommodate.

Due to the long flights of Russian MiG aircraft, the alarms have become longer, so children stay in shelters for 4-5 hours. Are there any plans to change the algorithm of actions in schools in this regard?

No. The Ministry has no plans to change the recommendations for schools, as air raid alerts mean there is a potential danger. Therefore, it is not recommended to expose participants of the educational process to danger.

During a remote lesson, an alert starts, and the teacher doesn’t let the child go to the shelter. What should be done?

When classes are held remotely, students are at home, so parents are responsible for the safety of their children.

However, the Ministry of Education has developed guidelines for teachers in such cases. They are advised to interrupt remote education if the alert starts so that children can go to the shelter and resume education after the alarm has been cancelled or, if possible, from the shelter. If the children are in different regions, the teacher should react and let the student in whose city there is a missile threat go to the shelter. If an air alert is announced in the teacher’s region, the teacher has the right to stop the online class, go to the shelter, and, if possible, organise the continuation of the class after the alert has been cancelled or from the shelter.

You can complain about the teacher’s illegal actions to the school principal. If there is no response, you should contact the State Education Quality Service or the local education department.

Is there a requirement for schools to continue education in a shelter during an air alert?

​​There is no such requirement, because very few school shelters have conditions for learning. Their main goal is the safety of the child. If the shelter is large and divided into rooms with separate classrooms, and the children are not disturbed by external noise, then the learning process can continue. Otherwise, teachers organise games and do everything they can to distract students from fear and anxiety.

How does education take place in schools in the frontline areas?

Institutions in areas of increased danger where it is impossible to protect children and teachers may be switched to distance learning. There are cases when institutions are put on a standstill and the school doesn’t work. Then children are transferred to other schools and teachers are paid at least two-thirds of their salary.

Also, some schools located close to the frontline or the border with Russia continue full-time education. In Kharkiv, for example, for those who wish, regular classes are organised in specially equipped subway premises.

If a child moves to another city from a frontline area, where should he or she study?

This decision is made by parents. A child can continue to study remotely at his or her school (if the school is not closed) or go to a local school in the place where he or she was evacuated. 

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine recommends that children should attend school instead of studying remotely, if possible. This contributes to socialisation and better academic performance.

However, absolutely all children should learn. This is their right, and the duty of their parents is to exercise it. If a child doesn’t receive an education, parents can be held liable.

Watch the full interview with Andriy Stashkiv, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, for Dovidka.info on the SPRAVDI YouTube channel.

Before going to the shelter, shut off gas, electricity, and water at home, close windows and vents.

If you can’t leave the room on your own, tell your neighbors about it.

You can’t take to the shelter:

• flammable substances;
• substances with a strong odor;
• bulky items;
• animals.

Persons with children are placed in separate compartments.

People with ill health are placed in a medical room or near enclosing structures and closer to ventilation. Therefore, it is essential to equip a separate room for the toilet.

It is forbidden to smoke, make noise, light candles in the building without permission. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to discipline and move as little as possible.

While in the shelter, watch the announcements on the radio, do not leave the shelter until the message that it is safe to go. You can leave the room earlier only if the shelter is damaged.

You are allowed to bring your pet to a shelter during an air raid alert. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have updated their approach: people with animals may stay in shelters, but this should be organized in a way that is safe and comfortable for everyone.

Individual shelters may have their own organizational rules — for example, designating where people with animals should stay — to prevent conflicts and safety risks.

The SESU notes that shelter administrators are encouraged to designate areas where people can stay with their animals, or spaces where animals can be kept safely without disturbing others. Requirements for building new shelters and renovating existing ones already include provisions for keeping people and animals together.

If you live in an apartment building, you can help make your shelter more pet-friendly. For example:

• agree with the shelter administrator on a designated room or zone for people with animals;
• organize your neighbors;
• together with the shelter administrator, prepare supplies of water, pet food, and waste bags;
• inform neighbors via the building chat and place a sign showing where people with animals can stay.

What to bring to a shelter with your pet

Your pet should have not only a carrier or cage, but also its own emergency kit. Include:

• leash and muzzle (for large-breed dogs);
• a two-day supply of water and food;
• pet passport;
• food and water bowls;
• a warm blanket;
• disposable pads and waste bags;
• toys;
• a pet first aid kit with any necessary medications.

Label the carrier or cage with the owner’s contact information and attach an ID tag to your pet.

If an air raid alert catches you and your pet far from your usual shelter, go to the nearest available one.

Let people know you have a pet with you. If someone in the shelter has allergies, try to find a comfortable arrangement for everyone.

How to calm a dog during an air raid alert

Dogs easily pick up on their owner’s emotional state. Your calmness directly affects them. If you breathe steadily and stay in control, your dog will react more calmly too. If you panic or shout, calming techniques may not work.

• Stay calm and behave predictably.
• Do not grab, pull, or startle your pet suddenly.
• If there are other dogs in the shelter, they may react strongly to sirens or explosions — this is normal. Your dog may become nervous or even aggressive.

In such situations, keep a safe distance from other animals.
If your dog is prone to aggression, use a muzzle.

If your dog panics

Create a “safe corner” — a place where the dog can hide (for example, under a blanket draped over a chair, or in a corner of the room).

Bring something the dog associates with safety, such as its mat, blanket, or favorite pillow.

Sit nearby and talk to your dog in a calm voice.

Use a muzzle only if necessary.

Distraction and games

Instead of formal training, try simple exercises. Food can calm a dog and help redirect its attention.

Try giving treats by hand for simple commands the dog already knows, such as:

• sit
• lie down
• stand
• come
• give paw
• bow
• spin

Play simple games to relieve stress, for example:

• tug and release
• “look at this”
• find the toy
• which hand?
• find the treat

Special calming methods (TTouch and headphones)

TTouch wrapping:
Wrap the dog gently with fabric (an elastic scarf or bandage). Cross the fabric over the chest and back and tie it under the belly or on the side. The wrap should feel like a light hug, which can have a calming effect.

Massage and gentle contact:
Simple hugging or gently massaging the dog’s ears can also be calming.

Noise-reducing headphones:
These may help if the dog reacts strongly to loud sounds. For small breeds, fabric ear wraps can be used.

Important: introduce these accessories in advance, when the dog is calm.

Medication

If your pet does not respond to food, play, or comfort, consult a veterinarian about appropriate calming medication.

Take time to better understand your pet’s emotional responses — this will help you support them more effectively during stressful situations.