On Wednesday, April 7, the “Contamination Alarm” drill was held. It was conducted in accordance with the voivodeship plan for warning and alerting the population for 2010. Drills of this kind are held at least twice a year. They are an important element of informing the public about threats. Such exercises make it possible to check how the system functions and identify its weakest points. There are currently two types of alarm signals:

  1. Air raid alarm (a continuous, modulated siren sound lasting one minute). After hearing the air raid alarm signal, act quickly but calmly and without panic.
    People at home should:
    • get dressed, take personal documents, a food supply, individual protection against contamination, first-aid supplies and, as needed and possible, an electric torch, blanket, radio receiver, etc.
    • switch off all electrical and gas appliances and put out the fire in the stove
    • close the windows and secure the dwelling
    • notify neighbours about the alarm
    • go to the nearest shelter or place of concealment.
    People in a public place should:
    • go to the nearest shelter or place of concealment
    • help the weak, sick and disabled
    • strictly follow the instructions of civil defence authorities and services.
    Drivers of motor vehicles who hear the air raid alarm signal should stop their cars and park them so that they do not block traffic routes, then enter a place of concealment. The driver and passengers should go to the nearest place of concealment. People who, for some reason, did not have time to reach protective structures should hide in terrain depressions or behind other durable covers.
  2. Contamination alarm (an intermittent, modulated siren sound), announced to warn of contamination detected in a given area or that may occur within 30 minutes.
    After hearing the contamination alarm signal, you should:
    • stay away from the affected area
    • remain calm, prevent panic and fear, and strictly follow the orders of public-order services
    • follow the recommendations in the information provided in announcements, mainly through loudspeakers installed on vehicles.
    When in an open area, you should:
    • pay attention to the wind direction (observe drifting smoke and vapours)
    • leave the endangered area (perpendicular to the wind direction), following the instructions contained in announcements broadcast by mobile public-address systems
    • go to the nearest residential or public buildings.
    People indoors who, for some reason, did not manage to leave the danger area before contamination occurred should:
    • turn on a radio or television receiver to one of the local bands, and follow the announcements and instructions provided
    • remain indoors; close and seal doors, windows and ventilation openings with wet paper or cloths, and, if possible, stay in central rooms
    • people equipped with gas masks should put them on
    • until the alarm is cancelled or evacuation is ordered, do not leave sealed rooms and do not stay near windows or other ventilation openings
    • refrain from eating, smoking and activities requiring exertion
    • switch off all electrical appliances (except the radio and television) and put out the fire in the stove
    • to protect the respiratory tract, use a cloth, gauze tampon, towel or similar item moistened with water or an aqueous solution of baking soda
    • when in public-utility buildings, follow the instructions of the management.

(information: District Office/ii)