Recommendations have been developed for the population on actions to take in case of a threat to airspace depending on the person's location - at home, on the road or in a vehicle, in a store or institution, in the forest or field.
As explained in the action matrix prepared by the Crisis Management Center and responsible services, a yellow alert will be an informational message that does not require immediate action from the population but calls for awareness of a potential threat to Latvia's airspace. In turn, an orange alert will be a message indicating a confirmed threat to Latvia's airspace, which requires immediate actions according to the provided instructions.
While at home, residents are advised to know the safe zones in their dwelling. It is necessary to install the "112 Latvija" app and develop a communication plan with family members.
The Crisis Management Center also urges residents to proactively prepare a 72-hour bag and discuss actions with family members in case of a threat.
In cases where a yellow-level alert is announced, while at home, residents should ascertain the whereabouts of family members and ensure that an adult is present with minors. In such cases, they should monitor notifications from the "112 Latvija" app and public media.
If a person receives an orange-level alert while at home, they must stay indoors, closing windows and doors. If possible, they should adhere to the "two-wall principle" and remain in a basement, corridor, bathroom, or on the lowest floor.
In such cases, they should also monitor notifications from the "112 Latvija" app and public media. The Crisis Management Center explained that parents arriving at educational institutions during a threat creates additional safety risks. The safety of children in educational institutions is the responsibility of the institution's head.
If an incident occurs nearby, residents are advised not to approach it and to report it by calling 112.
Meanwhile, when in a vehicle or on the road, it is recommended to identify alternative safe routes and shelter locations along the way. In the case of a yellow-level alert, while traveling and in a vehicle, residents should plan their route, ascertain the whereabouts of family members, and assist others. They are also advised to monitor notifications from the "112 Latvija" app.
If an orange-level alert is announced while a person is on the road, they should head to the nearest place where they can take shelter, such as buildings or forests. It is recommended to stay in place until the alert is lifted.
In such cases, the vehicle should be stopped in a way that does not obstruct emergency services.
As in other cases, during an orange alert, residents are advised to monitor notifications from the "112 Latvija" app and public media. If an incident occurs nearby, they should not approach it and should call 112.
To safely visit stores and institutions, it is recommended to know the safe zones and evacuation exits in the places being visited. In turn, in the event of a yellow or orange-level threat, people should follow the instructions of the responsible person in the store or institution.
While in the forest or field, one should know the nearest buildings and settlements, as well as plan their route.
If a yellow-level security threat is announced in such conditions, it is recommended to monitor notifications from the "112 Latvija" app and public media. It is also necessary to ascertain the whereabouts of family members and inform them of one's location.
If an orange-level alert is announced while a person is in the forest or field, it would be safer to avoid open fields and places with no natural or artificial cover where a person can be easily spotted from the air. In such situations, one should closely observe the airspace and surroundings, but if a suspicious aircraft is visually spotted or heard, they should immediately take cover. If possible, during an orange alert, one should find a building or structure where they can take shelter.
