The database currently includes more than 70,000 facilities, including underground passages, metro stations, tunnels and reinforced underground garages. The data are verified by the State Fire Service and authorized civil protection authorities.
Chief Commander of the State Fire Service:
Safety is our shared responsibility. Thanks to the “Where to Hide” tool, everyone can take a step toward greater safety for their family and neighbors.
How can you use the tool and find the nearest shelter points?
The tool is free of charge and available at gdziesieukryc.pl - in the coming weeks, it will also be available in app stores.
How do you install “Where to Hide” on your phone?
1. Open the website
Open a web browser on your phone, such as Safari or Chrome, and enter: gdziesieukryc.pl
2. Open the browser menu
Once the page has loaded:
- in Safari (iOS) – tap the Share icon (a square with an arrow),
- in Chrome (Android) – tap the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Add it to the home screen
From the list of options, select: “Add to Home Screen”
4. Confirm
Confirm adding the shortcut – the tool will be installed on your phone like an app, with a new icon.
Are shelter points new structures?
No. Shelter points are existing facilities or parts of them that increase safety in an emergency. The points are marked on the map with the civil defense symbol.
Will the tool work without the internet?
Yes, if it is downloaded and the data are imported into the memory of your device. After the data are downloaded, the basic functions—search, map and directions—also work offline. That is why it is important to download the tool before an emergency occurs.
Does the tool grant access to all facilities?
No. The tool provides information about the location and availability of places. It does not grant permission to enter places where restrictions apply. The “Where to Hide” tool helps you determine where potential shelters are located nearby and how to reach them as quickly as possible.
It is worth paying attention to the shelter-point availability markings in the “Where to Hide” tool.
- Available 24/7 – points marked with an additional green border around the civil defense symbol,
- Limited availability (specific opening hours) – the restriction results, among other things, from working hours or the presence of facility staff,
- Limited availability (access through mutual assistance) – these include facilities that are closed and under the strict supervision of communities and managers, who, in an emergency, should allow people seeking shelter to access their facilities as part of mutual assistance.