There’s a Siren and You’re Away From Home
Sometimes there’s no choice – even these days you have to go to the supermarket or take care of business. It’s important that you know what to do if you are caught outside when the siren sounds.
Will small children be with you?
Be prepared: Talk to the children in advance – who picks up whom, holding hands, no panicking and running. A brief practice session now → less confusion in real time.
Guiding question: What is the safest place I can get to in the time I have?
If you’re near your home/mamad/shelter, upon receiving advance warning from Pikud HaOref, consider whether there is enough time to get there by walking quickly but carefully.
But if you are:
On a street/built-up neighborhood: Immediately enter a building or a nearby structure and stay until you receive Pikud HaOref’s all-clear instructions.
In a store without a mamad/miklat:
Move as far into the store or mall as possible and stay away from store entrances, glass display cases, and shelves that may shatter.
*In an open area, without any structures *:
Lie on the ground, stay away from vehicles/protruding objects, and protect your head with your hands until you receive the all-clear message.
Walking alongside a road:
Check that the road is clear → cross carefully → quickly walk to a sheltered structure. None around? Lie down and protect your head.
In the car:
Pull over, turn on your emergency lights, get out and enter a building. No time? Get as far as possible from the car, lie on the ground, and cover your head. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-19XIXrz7-g
Useful tip:
Keep a blanket or yoga mat in the car in case of a siren. Lie on it instead of directly on the ground.
In a car/bus and can’t get out/off:
Bend down under the window line and protect your head: https://www.gov.il/he/pages/car_defense
After the siren
 Did you see a missile part, shrapnel, or a suspicious object? This is life-threatening! Do not touch, keep others away, and call: 100 / 104
As a rule, you must remain in the protected space for at least 10 minutes unless otherwise instructed.
Elevators:
Do not use the elevator once you hear a siren!
For general information:Â https://www.oref.org.il/eng