If you are visiting Jerusalem during a time of unrest you may be surprised to hear a siren go off. Life can seem to continue as normal and often times it does but you need to be aware of the emergency procedures. The government has given us very clear guidelines for what to do in case of an emergency siren and we would like to share them with you.
- Sirens in Jerusalem are sounded to warn residents of an incoming missile attack. People in Jerusalem have 90 seconds (1.5 minutes) to get themselves into a “safe room”. If you are prepared in advance then 90 seconds is plenty of time to get into the room.
- A safe room is called a “Miklat” or a “Mamad”. These rooms are built with special concrete reinforcements to protect people from rocket attacks. All hotels have a miklat or mamad so make sure to ask the front desk in advance where it is. If you are renting an apartment then make sure to ask your rental agent which room is the safe room.
- In a case where you can not get to a mamad or miklat in time then head to the closest staircase (preferably one without any windows).
- You must stay in the safe room for ten minutes before coming out. If you hear a second siren then start your ten minutes from the beginning.
- If you are driving then pull your car over to a safe place to park. Get out of the car and try to enter the closest building (look for a miklat or central staircase). If you do not have enough time to get inside then get out of your car and lie on the ground while covering your head.
***Do not congregate outside after a siren. It is human nature to go out and find neighbors and find out what has happened but it is safer to tune into any radio station and remain indoors till you know that there is an all clear.***
Preparing your Mamad
These are the items you should make sure to have in your safe room especially if you have children with you.
- First aid kit (can be purchased at any pharmacy)
- Water Bottles
- Toys
- Flashlight with batteries
- Radio with batteries 93.9 FM (Army Radio) or download the TuneIn Radio app for live radio
- Some snacks
- Diapers and wipes if you have babies
More Information
You can find more information on the Home Front Command.
You can also follow the IDF spokesperson directly on twitter at @IDFSpokesperson for up to date information.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police 100
Ambulance 101
Fire Department 102
Electric Company 103
Home Front Command – Pikud HaOref 1207 (the IDF branch responsible for Civilians)
Jerusalem Hot Line 106
We pray for our brave soldiers and a complete cessation of rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza.
