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A civilian preparedness guide · Latvia

Be ready.

The first hour, day and week.
What to do, in order.

Built from official civil-defence guidance and what Ukrainians learned the hard way.

Start with the 72-hour kit Print the checklist

Free. Independent. Not a government service.

This is the short print edition. The reasons and sources for every step are online at esigatavs.lv.

A lit torch resting on a battery radio in a dark room — Vinnytsia, Ukraine · blackout, 7 December 2022 Photo: George Chernilevsky / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped · Licence · Source

Right now: sirens or an alert

Minutes

Six steps for the first minutes. Do them in order. Each step says where the advice comes from.

Right now

Hearing a siren? Get inside.

Then switch on LTV1, LTV7 or Latvijas Radio.

Open the six steps Call 112Only if a life is in danger

OFFICIAL-LV = Latvian state · OFFICIAL-ALLY = Nordic/Baltic/EU · UKRAINE = lived experience

Get inside, away from windows

If you are inside, stay in the same building. Move away from windows, glass doors and balconies. Do not stop to pack. Take documents, phone and daily medicines only if they are at hand.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: inside a building, do not go out to look for another shelter. Use the safest place in the same building. Avoid windows, glass walls and balconies. When warned, go at once and do not delay to pack. Sweden and Norway also warn that blasts shatter glass.

In December 2022 a drone attack in Kyiv blew out a family’s windows. Their child’s bed and the floor were covered with broken glass.

Sources: Interfax / Kyiv City, 2022, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Follow the alert, switch on LTV or radio

Read the phone alert and do what it says. If a siren sounds without an announced test, switch on LTV1, LTV7 or Latvijas Radio and keep it on. You can re-read alerts at www.112.lv.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvia warns by siren, cell broadcast to phones and the 112 Latvija app. Cell broadcast is not SMS and is separate from the app, so use both. VUGD tests sirens every half year and announces the tests. After any other siren, public TV and radio give the instructions.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters

Shelter within 300 m, else two walls

Go to a public shelter only if it is within 300 m and the way is safe and clear. Otherwise stay in your building: an inner corridor or windowless bathroom, with at least 2 walls between you and outside.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: go to a public shelter only if it is no more than 300 m away and fences or water do not block the way. In an immediate threat, two walls nearby protect better than a distant shelter. The 112 Latvija app shows nearby shelters, even offline.

Ukraine’s emergency service warns that two walls never guarantee safety; they only reduce the risk. Plasterboard walls give no protection at all.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukraine SES, shelters

More for this stage

Outside or driving? Get into a building

A car is not a shelter. Stop where you do not block traffic, leave the car and go into the nearest building, behind two walls. With no building or cover, lie flat and protect your head.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: a vehicle is not a safe shelter. Outdoors, avoid open ground, glass facades and petrol stations; a ditch, underpass or tunnel is safer. Only with no building and no cover: lie flat and cover your head with your arms or a bag. Ukraine’s emergency service gives the same order.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, VUGD, shelters, Ukraine SES, shelters

Stay until officials say it is safe

Stay in cover until radio, TV or an official alert says it is safe. Quiet does not mean the danger has passed. Call 112 if someone is hurt or in danger, not for information.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: do not leave a shelter until you get word that it is safe; leave earlier only if the shelter itself is damaged. VUGD: keep radio or TV on for further instructions and do not phone emergency services for extra information. To report an emergency, call 112 rather than text.

Ukrainian civilian guides say: do not leave cover when explosions stop. Wait for the official all-clear.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukrainian civilian guides

Take the stairs, not the lift

During an air threat, take the stairs, not the lift. VUGD lists lifts among the places to avoid. Ukraine’s emergency service gives the same rule, and power cuts there trapped people in lifts.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: during an air threat avoid windows, balconies and lifts. Ukraine’s State Emergency Service: do not use the lift during an air alert. In Kyiv, emergency and planned power cuts led to more calls to free people from lift cabins.

In Kyiv, people trapped by power cuts sometimes waited hours in cold, dark lifts. One 71-year-old man waited 1 hour until a technician climbed 12 floors.

Sources: AFP, lifts, 2022, ArmyInform / Ukraine SES, 03.2023, Kyiv City, lifts, Ukraine Reintegration Ministry, VUGD, shelters

A calm lit shelter interior with benches — Illustration

The first 24 hours

24 h

Power, water and phones may stop on the first day. These steps keep your home safe and your supplies lasting.

Fill the bathtub when a crisis starts

When a crisis is announced, fill the bathtub and spare containers while the taps still work. This is water for washing and flushing. Plan 10–12 L per person per day.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: plan 10–12 L a day for hygiene, and prepare it as soon as a crisis is announced, for example by filling the bathtub. Mains water depends on electric pumps. Estonia adds: when supply is cut, let the water still in the pipes run into containers.

After the strikes of 23.11.2022, about 80% of Kyiv residents lost power, and about as many lost water. The mayor asked people to keep water at home.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Use tap water carefully in a power cut

Finland advises: tap water stays safe to drink in a power cut. Use cold water; in district-heated buildings hot water can get scalding. Do not shower or flush until power returns. Catch water in a bucket.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Finnish guidance: a power cut does not change tap water quality. Do not let water drain away and do not bathe. Do not flush until electricity returns; put used paper in a bag so the toilet does not block. Mains water itself depends on electric pumps.

A Kyiv resident said in November 2022 that having no water was worse than any blackout, especially when the family needed to flush the toilet.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Keep the fridge and freezer closed

Estonia and Finland advise: open the fridge and freezer as little as possible. Keep the freezer shut for 2 days if you can. Eat chilled food first and keep dry and canned food for later.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Estonia: avoid opening the fridge and freezer so food stays cold. Finland: do not open the freezer for 2 days; frozen food can be refrozen while still at -9 °C. Norway: eat chilled and frozen food first. Sweden: frozen plastic bottles, not filled to the top, work as ice packs.

In Ukraine, people froze plastic water bottles while the power was on. The ice kept freezers cold for many hours during cuts.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

More for this stage

Switch off appliances, leave one lamp on

Finland advises: in a power cut, switch off the stove, iron, coffee machine and washer, so they cannot start a fire when power returns. Leave one lamp on to see when it does.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Finnish guidance: turn off heat-producing appliances to prevent fires when power returns, but leave one light on. Ukrainian guidance adds: do not switch everything on at once, because this can overload the network.

In Ukraine, people were told not to switch on all appliances at once when power returned.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Never heat a room with a gas cooker

Ukraine’s health ministry says: heat your home only with devices made for heating, never with a gas cooker. Ukraine’s emergency service adds: use gas burners only to cook small pots, outdoors or with ventilation.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Burning gas indoors produces carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell. Most home fires in Ukraine in early 2023 came from unsafe heating and lighting during blackouts. Estonia and Finland: never leave an open flame alone.

In November 2022, 368 people in Ukraine, including 92 children, were poisoned by carbon monoxide during the blackouts, and 20 died.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Ukraine Ministry of Health, CO, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Smell gas? No switches, no flames, go outside

Do not switch anything on or off. Light no flame and do not smoke. Open windows, close the gas valve if you can, knock on doors (no doorbell), go outside and call 114 or 112.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvia’s gas network operator: call 114, air the room, touch no switches and wait outside. Natural gas and propane smell almost the same; if unsure, call 112. The Latvian MoD says to turn the gas off before you go to a shelter.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, gas, LSM / Gaso, 2026, LSM / Gaso, 2021, Ukrainska Pravda / Ministry of Health, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Myth

Do not count on district heating

My flat on district heating stays warm.

Reality District heating and gas heating need electricity too. Finland warns that most homes lose heat in a power cut.

Finland warns: district heating and gas heating need electricity too. In a power cut, most homes get cold. Have warm clothes and blankets ready, and choose one room to keep warm.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Finnish guidance counters the belief that district-heated or gas-heated homes stay warm in a blackout. Many Latvian city flats use district heating. Kyiv residents sat in unheated flats for more than 24 hours.

After the strike of 23.11.2022, some Kyiv residents spent more than 24 hours in unheated flats with no mobile or internet connection.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Call 112 for danger; text everyone else

To report danger or injury, call 112: calling is faster than texting. Keep other calls short and send texts instead, so the network can carry emergency calls.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: when reporting to 112, call rather than text, because time matters; do not call for information. Lithuania and Estonia: limit calls and prefer SMS when networks are busy. Ukraine’s communications service: prefer texts to calls, because 4G data fails first when masts run on batteries.

In Ukraine’s blackouts, home Wi-Fi routers stopped and everyone moved to mobile data. Mobile internet slowed sharply; calls and SMS worked better.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, LIGA:ZAKON / Ukraine SSSCIP, Ekonomichna Pravda, 2022, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, VUGD, shelters

No signal and urgent help needed? Go there

First try 112 from another phone or another place. If no call is possible and you need urgent help, Estonia advises going to the nearest fire station, police station or emergency department.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Estonia: with no connection and an urgent need, go in person to a fire station, police station or emergency department; for a weak signal, go outside or higher. Norway: a neighbour on another mobile operator may still have service. Do not travel during an air or chemical alert.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Norway DSB, 2024

Do not touch drones, debris or strange objects

Stop. Do not approach, touch or move it. Go back the way you came and warn others. For a fallen drone, move at least 100 m away. Call 112. Do not post photos or the location.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD and the Latvian MoD: do not touch a fallen drone or its debris, step back at least 100 m, warn others, call 112, and do not publish its location. Ukrainian official guidance for any suspicious object: stop, do not touch, leave by the same path, call.

UNICEF reports that 9 out of 10 children in Ukraine now know the rule: do not approach, do not touch, call for help.

Sources: Sargs.lv, drones, 2026, Ukraine CSC, mines guide, UNICEF Ukraine, mines, VUGD, shelters

Save your lift service number today

Photograph the lift service number in your lift. Kyiv advised: stop using lifts 30–40 minutes before a planned power cut. If stuck, stay calm, do not force the doors, and call the service, then 112.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Kyiv city advice: photograph the lift hotline in advance, stop lift use 30–40 minutes before scheduled cuts, do not open doors yourself, and call rescuers if the service does not answer. In Latvia, the emergency number is 112.

Sources: AFP, lifts, 2022, Kyiv City, lifts

Myth

Taped crosses do not protect windows

An X of tape stops window glass shards.

Reality Crosses leave most glass bare. Distance from windows protects best. Film or boards help where fighting is regular.

A taped X leaves most of the glass bare, so shards still fly. Stay away from windows. Where fighting is regular, the Latvian MoD advises adhesive film or boards over windows.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: in areas of regular fighting, reinforce windows with adhesive film so broken glass does not scatter, or board them with plywood, thick cardboard or rugs. Ukraine’s emergency service: film can reduce glass fragments but must have proof it meets its rating. A Ukrainian security expert says taped crosses do not protect.

Sources: TSN, 2026, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Ukraine SES, shelters

Save the list of crisis ATMs

In a crisis, at least 99 ATMs across Latvia will keep working. Latvijas Banka publishes the addresses. Save the list on your phone and on paper now.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvijas Banka: card payments will not work without electricity and internet, and 99 ATMs across Latvia will keep working in a crisis. Ukraine’s central bank told people to download its list of blackout-ready branches so it works offline.

During the blackout of 23.11.2022, more than 1,500 bank branches and 3,800 ATMs in Ukraine kept working.

Sources: Latvijas Banka, 2023, National Bank of Ukraine, 12.2022, Ukraine Crisis Media Center, 2022

Myth

Do not withdraw all your savings

In war, banks freeze all your money.

Reality In Ukraine banks kept working. Cash had a daily limit, but card and online payments had no limit.

In Ukraine in 2022, cash withdrawals were limited to UAH 100,000 a day, about 3,000 euro. Card and online payments had no limit. Shops were asked to accept cards.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Ukraine’s central bank limited cash withdrawals on the first day but kept all cashless payments unlimited and ATMs supplied. It did not restrict card payments in shops. Card payments stayed stable on day 1. Keep a week of cash, not your savings, at home.

On 24.02.2022, the first day of the invasion, Ukraine’s central bank kept cashless payments unlimited and ordered ATMs to be refilled without limits.

Sources: European Payments Council, 2023, Fox Business / Reuters, 2022, Latvijas Banka, 2023, National Bank of Ukraine, 02.2022

72 hours at home

72 h

Latvia asks every household to manage alone for at least 72 hours. Build the basics first, then tick them off below.

Plan to cope alone for 72 hours

Be ready to manage at home for at least 72 hours without tap water, heating, phone, internet, shops, card payments or fuel. If you can, stock for up to 7 days.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD and the Latvian MoD set 72 hours as the minimum and recommend supplies for 3–7 days. The war handbook says Ukraine’s experience shows you should stock as long as possible. The EU also uses 72 hours.

After the strike of 23.11.2022, some Kyiv residents spent more than 24 hours in unheated flats with no mobile or internet connection.

Sources: European Commission, 2025, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Store 3 L of water per person daily

Keep 3 L of drinking water per adult per day, or 4 L in hot weather: at least 9 L each for 3 days. Add water for pets. Plan 10–12 L a day more for washing.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: 3 L per adult per day, 4 L in heat, for at least 3 days and preferably a week, with pets and hygiene included. Estonia and Sweden use the same 3 L. Finland’s 2 L counts drinking water only.

After the strikes of 23.11.2022, about 80% of Kyiv residents lost power, and about as many lost water.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, LSM and Latvian MoD, pets, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Stock food that needs no fridge

Choose food that keeps at room temperature for 6 months or more, gives many calories and needs little water or cooking. Include baby food, special diets and pet food. Eat and replace it before it expires.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: room temperature, at least 6 months shelf life, little water or cooking, calorie-dense, rotated before expiry, with baby, diet and pet food. Finland sizes an adult at about 2,300 kcal a day. Norway and Estonia suggest no-cook food you already eat.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, LSM and Latvian MoD, pets, Norway DSB, 2024

More for this stage

Build a home medicine kit

Keep painkillers and fever medicine, stomach medicine, antihistamines, calming medicine, disinfectant, dressings, scissors, a thermometer and a thermal blanket. Add a supply of every daily medicine your family takes.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The list follows the Latvian MoD booklets, based on emergency medical service (NMPD) advice. The MoD warns that pharmacies may close in war. Norway advises at least 7 days of extra regular medicines.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024

Heavy bleeding: press hard, then tourniquet

Heavy bleeding can kill in 5 minutes. Call 112. Press hard on the wound with both hands. If a pressure bandage does not stop it, put a tourniquet 5–7 cm above the wound, not on a joint.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: severe bleeding can kill within 5 minutes; a correct tourniquet can keep a person alive for up to 1 hour. Ukraine’s health ministry sets the order: hand pressure, pressure bandage, then tourniquet. If you cannot see the wound, place it as high as possible. Sweden adds: call 112, keep pressing.

Sources: Ukraine Ministry of Health, order 441 (29), Ukraine Ministry of Health, order 441 (4), Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Pack tourniquets at home and in bags

Keep 2–4 ready-made tourniquets at home, with pressure bandages and gloves. Put 1 tourniquet in each go-bag. Add a marker pen to write the time. Learn to use it on a first-aid course.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD war handbook says a home medical stock should ideally include 2–4 tourniquets. Ukraine’s health ministry says to write the exact time on the tourniquet. Ukraine’s education ministry put tourniquets and dressing packs on its go-bag list.

In February 2022, before the full invasion, Ukraine’s education ministry told families to buy tourniquets and individual dressing packs for the go-bag.

Sources: Ukraine Education Ministry, go-bag, Ukraine Ministry of Health, order 441 (4), Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Myth

Do not loosen a tourniquet

Loosen a tourniquet now and then to let blood through.

Reality Ukraine’s health ministry says: write the time, then leave it tight until the ambulance team takes over.

Ukraine’s health ministry says: once the bleeding stops, write the exact time on the tourniquet. Do not loosen or remove it. The ambulance team takes it off.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Ukraine’s first-aid order says to write the exact time on the tourniquet or another visible place, and not to remove or loosen it until the ambulance team arrives.

Sources: Ukraine Ministry of Health, order 441 (4)

Keep one week of cash in small notes

Keep enough cash for 1 week of family needs, in 5, 10 and 20 euro notes. Without power or internet, card payments and ATMs may stop. Do not keep more than you need.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvijas Banka and the Latvian MoD both advise a week of cash in small notes, because cards do not work without electricity and internet. Estonia gives the same one-week rule.

On the morning of 24.02.2022, people in Ukraine queued at ATMs. The same day the central bank limited cash withdrawals.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Fox Business / Reuters, 2022, Latvijas Banka, 2023, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Keep a radio, power bank and paper numbers

Keep a battery or wind-up radio, a list of Latvijas Radio frequencies, a charged power bank and spare charger. Write key phone numbers on paper. In a power cut, use battery-saver mode.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD and VUGD list a portable radio, spare batteries, power bank, charger and frequency list. Radio is an official warning channel. Estonia: landlines and Wi-Fi routers stop in a power cut. Mobile masts run on batteries: Finland expects a couple of hours at most.

In Ukraine, mobile mast batteries could run on average 4–5 hours. The communications service told people to charge phones at every chance and turn on battery-saver mode.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, LIGA:ZAKON / Ukraine SSSCIP, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Prepare light and warmth without power

Keep matches, lighters, candles, a torch with spare batteries, warm clothes, a sleeping bag, a blanket and a sleeping mat. Put candles on a stable surface, away from anything that can burn.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The item list is from the Latvian MoD booklet and matches Norway’s. The candle rule comes from Ukraine, where unsafe heating and lighting caused most home fires during blackouts.

In early 2023, most home fires in Ukraine were caused by unsafe alternative heating and lighting during blackouts.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Cook outdoors on a camping stove

Latvia lists a small dry-alcohol stove and a thermos for your home kit. Estonia says use camping stoves and grills only outside. Finland says keep fire-extinguishing equipment nearby. Never leave a flame alone.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD lists the stove and thermos but gives no placement rule. Estonia: camping stoves and grills only outside, never leave a flame unattended. Finland: cook outside and keep extinguishing equipment at hand. Ukraine: gas burners only for small pots, never as room heaters.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Heat one room and sleep close together

Finland advises: if your home falls below 15 °C, heat one room only. Close doors to other rooms, block draughts with towels, cover windows with blankets and sleep side by side.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Finland: below +15 °C heat a single room, seal draughts, cover windows, share blankets; each person gives heat like a 70 W bulb. Estonia, Sweden and Norway give the same one-room advice. Sweden adds rugs on the floor. No Latvian source gives a temperature.

During Kyiv’s 2022 blackouts, one resident went to bed in a flannel gown, a hood and two pairs of socks.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Make a toilet when water stops

Norway advises: line the toilet or a bucket with 2 plastic bags, tie them and put them in ordinary waste. Finland advises not flushing in a power cut. Keep bags, wipes and gloves.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Norway: double bag in the toilet or a bucket, knot it, put it in ordinary waste; keep wet wipes, gloves and waste bags. Finland: flush only once without running water; seal the bag inside 2 more bags. Sweden and Estonia agree.

A Kyiv resident said in November 2022 that having no water was worse than any blackout, especially when the family needed to flush the toilet.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Checklist

19 items

Ticks are saved on this device only. Print all checklists

Water, radio, torch, documents and medicines arranged for a kit — Illustration

A week and beyond

A week

Latvia’s minimum is 72 hours; Norway, Sweden and Estonia now plan for 7 days. Scale up step by step.

Aim to manage alone for 7 days

Latvia asks every household to manage for at least 72 hours and to stock food and water for as long as possible. Norway, Sweden and Estonia set 7 days. Aim for 7 days.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvia’s minimum is 72 hours, and the MoD war handbook says Ukraine’s experience shows you should stock as long as possible; it prefers a week of water. Norway raised its standard from 3 days to 1 week in 2024. Sweden and Estonia also plan for a week.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Myth

Do not count on fast outside help

Rescue services will help every household at once.

Reality Help goes first to those who cannot cope alone. Latvia asks households to manage on their own for 72 hours, and longer if they can.

In a large crisis, help goes first to the people who need it most. Your household should be able to cope by itself for days, not hours.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Sweden: plan to manage a week, because aid goes first to those most in need. Finland and Norway say the same. Latvia: stock as long as possible, based on Ukraine. Kyiv’s warming points could not cover the whole city.

Kyiv planned about 1,000 warming points for 3 million residents in winter 2022. The mayor said this was not enough.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Store 21 L of drinking water each

Latvia advises 3 L of drinking water per adult per day, 4 L in hot weather. For 7 days that is 21 L per person. Add 10–12 L a day for washing. Count pets too.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: 3 L a day, 4 L in heat, for at least 3 days and preferably a week, plus 10–12 L a day for hygiene. Norway says about 20 L per person covers the minimum for one week.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, LSM and Latvian MoD, pets, Norway DSB, 2024

More for this stage

Keep water in clean, closed containers

Sweden advises: keep water in clean containers with lids, in a dark, cool place. Check taste and smell 1–2 times a year. Boil water if unsure it is safe. Latvia advises a filter and tablets.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD lists a water filter and disinfection tablets and says to test the tablets before you rely on them. Sweden: store dark and cool, check yearly, bring unsure water to a rolling boil. Norway: wash containers before filling.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Keep 7 days of food you eat

Norway advises food for 7 days for everyone at home. Choose food that needs no cooking: oatmeal, crispbread, canned beans, nuts, dried fruit, honey. Eat it in daily life and replace it.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Norway: one week of food for the household, with a list of no-cook foods. Estonia: build the stock from food you normally eat and keep it in rotation; it needs no separate store. Latvia gives no 7-day food figure.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Norway DSB, 2024

Plan for a home at 10–15 °C

Finland warns that district heating also needs electricity. In winter, expect rooms to fall to 10–15 °C. Estonia advises a heat source that needs no power, plus 7 days of fuel. In a flat, plan warm layers.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Finland: district and gas heating need power, and a wood-frame house falls to +10 °C in under 24 hours. Estonia: a power-free heat source and a week of fuel. Many flats cannot fit a stove, so plan clothes and blankets.

In long Ukrainian outages, some centrally heated buildings had their heating water drained to stop pipes freezing. Those homes could not be heated even after power returned.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022, Ukrainian civilian guides

Run a generator only outdoors

Ukraine’s emergency service says: run a generator only outdoors, 6 m from windows and doors. Never use it in a room, garage or hallway. Refuel only when it is off and cool.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Ukrainian official guidance: generators outdoors only, 6 m from windows and doors (1 m only beside a blank wall). Refuel only when cold, keep a fire extinguisher, and have a specialist connect it. Carbon monoxide has no smell.

In Kyiv Oblast, a man died after running a generator inside a room for light. Another family, aged 4 to 72, was poisoned the same way.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Heat only while awake; fit a CO alarm

Estonia: use a fireplace or stove only while awake. Sweden: open a window when using another heater, and switch it off before sleep. Ukraine: fit a carbon monoxide alarm with any stove or boiler.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Ukraine’s emergency service: a carbon monoxide alarm with any combustion heater; check the stove for cracks, clean the chimney, never leave it burning alone. Estonia: heat only while awake. Sweden: let in fresh air and switch heaters off before sleep.

In the first 7 days of December 2022, 97 people in Ukraine, 25 of them children, were poisoned by carbon monoxide and 14 died.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Check light, power and radio for a week

Norway lists: torches or headlamps, spare batteries, charged power banks, a battery or wind-up radio, candles, matches and a paper list of phone numbers. Latvia says radio and TV keep broadcasting.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Norway’s kit list for every home. Latvian MoD: in a crisis, TV and radio stations keep working, so a radio keeps you informed. In Ukraine, even large power banks could not run a laptop.

In Ukraine’s blackouts, home Wi-Fi stopped and mobile internet slowed, so people used calls and SMS instead.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Download maps and find warm, charging places

Before a blackout, download an offline map of your area and note where you could get power and heat. In Ukraine, such points gave power, signal, internet, heat and water free, day and night.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Kyiv city told residents to download an offline map. Ukraine’s digital ministry advises saving the support-point map in advance. Ukraine’s “Points of Invincibility” offered free power, signal, internet, heat and water around the clock.

On 22.11.2022 Ukraine had more than 4,000 Points of Invincibility ready, with power, mobile signal, internet, heat, water and first aid, free and around the clock.

Sources: Kyiv City, offline map, Finance.ua / Ukraine Digital Ministry, Slovo i Dilo, 11.2022, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Agree a backup home with heat and water

Ask relatives or friends who have their own water, stove and heating if you can stay with them in a long blackout. Agree it now, not during the crisis.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

In Kyiv in 2022, officials advised arranging in advance to stay with relatives who have their own water, stove and heating. Under occupation, people with wood stoves, generators and solar panels kept water and fridges running.

Sources: Kyiv blackout reports, 2022, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Check on neighbours through the week

Latvia asks you to help elderly neighbours prepare their homes and kits and to pass on warnings. In a long outage, ask neighbours if they need help. Plan shared water storage with your building.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: help elderly neighbours prepare and reach a shelter. VUGD: pass warnings to people without information. Finland: ask neighbours who may need help. Norway: plan joint water storage with your housing association; in Latvia, ask your owners’ association or building manager.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024

Agree a lift box with your neighbours

Ask your building manager or neighbours to keep a small box in the lift with water, cups, biscuits, wet wipes, rubbish bags and a torch. In 2022 Kyiv placed 5,000 boxes like this.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Kyiv city services placed 5,000 lift boxes with water, cups, biscuits, wipes and rubbish bags; residents also added torches. Medicines are left out on purpose, because a shared box cannot suit everyone.

In December 2022 Kyiv placed 5,000 donated boxes in lifts of the buildings with the most power cuts.

Sources: AFP, lifts, 2022, Kyiv City, lift boxes

Checklist

16 items

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The go-bag

Before leaving

One bag per person, packed now, light enough to carry on foot. You grab it; you do not pack it in a hurry.

Pack a bag you can carry yourself

Pack one bag per person that you can carry on foot. Use a backpack, not a suitcase. Latvia sets no weight; Ukrainian guidance suggests no more than 25 kg.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD and VUGD both say the bag must be light enough to carry yourself, and that basic needs may not be provided at first at an evacuation site. Ukrainian guidance: aim for 25 kg at most; use a backpack, not a suitcase.

Families leaving occupied areas walked about 2 km on an open, unpaved road, carrying children and everything they owned.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukrainian civilian guides, Ukraine SES, shelters

Pack the Latvian core list

Documents, water, food, first-aid kit, daily medicines, battery radio, spare batteries, power bank, warm clothes, waterproof bag, notepad and pen, cash, multitool, phone and charger.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

This is the Latvian MoD bag list, with phone and charger from VUGD short-notice evacuation advice. Lithuania, Sweden, Norway and Estonia list the same core items.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Put document copies in a plastic sleeve

Copy your passport, ID card, driving licence, vehicle papers, education and marriage certificates, and children’s birth certificates. Keep copies in a plastic sleeve with a printed phone list. Keep a digital copy too.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD and VUGD list these copies in plastic packaging. UNHCR advised Ukrainians to keep copies, even digital, because a copy makes replacing lost documents easier. A child without a birth certificate lost access to services.

People who fled in a rush lost IDs, property papers and medical records. UNHCR and partners gave more than 500,000 legal advice sessions to help restore documents.

Sources: Norwegian Refugee Council, 2018, UN Ukraine / UNHCR, 2025, UNHCR Ukraine help site, VUGD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

More for this stage

Carry your original passport and ID

Take your original passport and ID card when you leave, not only copies. Check now that your passport is valid. Scans and phone apps may not be accepted at borders.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD and the Latvian MoD say to carry your ID or passport when you evacuate, with originals on you and copies in the bag. UN and aid reports show people without valid originals were refused at borders, shelters and banks paying aid.

Some Ukrainians left passports in damaged homes and were refused at the border with only a national ID or pension card. Scans and the e-ID app were not accepted.

Sources: VUGD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, VUGD, shelters, CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Pack one week of cash in small notes

Keep cash for 1 week of family needs in the bag, in 5, 10 and 20 euro notes. Bring bank cards too. Keep money and documents in different places.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD puts a week of family cash in the emergency bag; the MoD sets 5, 10 and 20 euro notes and says to keep money and documents apart. Ukrainian evacuees warned that cards could fail.

In Mariupol the ATMs were empty. A private ride out of the city cost about 1,000 hryvnia (about USD 34), and many people could not pay.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukrainian civilian guides, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Pack water and ready-to-eat food

Pack drinking water and food that needs no cooking. At home Latvia counts 3 L per adult per day, 4 L in hot weather. Estonia advises bag supplies for at least 1 day, ideally 3.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD gives the daily need but no bag volume. Estonia: supplies for at least 1 and ideally 3 days per person. A Ukrainian ministry checklist says at least 1.5 L per person and food for 3 days; refresh the water.

Ukrainian evacuees advised high-calorie snacks that leave no rubbish, because on a crowded train there is nowhere to throw it away.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Ukrainian civilian guides, Ukraine SES, shelters

Pack daily medicines and a medicine list

Pack your daily medicines and a written list of names and doses. Kyiv advised at least a week; Norway, at least 7 days. Add spare glasses and hearing-aid batteries if you use them.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD says to take medicines you use regularly. Latvia uses e-prescriptions, so write down names and doses. A Kyiv city memo says medicines for at least a week, with dosing notes. Norway: 7 days extra. Lithuania: spare glasses and hearing-aid batteries.

Sources: LSM / NVD, e-prescriptions, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024, Ukraine SES, shelters

Write a health note for each person

Put a paper note in each bag and pocket: name, blood group, allergies, chronic conditions, current medicines and doses. Add your doctor’s phone number.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD says to carry a pocket note with blood group, allergies and chronic conditions. Ukraine’s guidance adds drug allergies, medicines and doses for every family member, and doctors’ phone numbers.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Ukraine SES, shelters

Pack tools that work without the internet

Pack a battery radio, a list of Latvijas Radio frequencies, a charged power bank, spare batteries, a torch, a printed Latvian road map and phone numbers on paper.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD and the MoD list a radio, its frequencies, a power bank and a printed road map. In Ukraine, mobile networks, cards and GPS failed, and radio became the main news source. Head torches keep hands free.

During evacuation in Ukraine, bank cards and mobile networks often failed. People relied on cash, paper contact lists, paper maps and radio.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022, Ukrainian civilian guides

Pack warm layers, even in summer

Pack seasonal clothes plus a warm layer, hat and wool socks. Choose wool over polyester. Keep clothes and papers dry in a waterproof bag. Put heavy items at the bottom.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD lists warm clothes and a waterproof bag and prefers wool, which stays warm when wet. Shelters can be cold at night, even in warm seasons. Ukrainian advice: heavy items at the bottom.

People held at closed crossings in winter had to wait outdoors for long periods. Warm clothing and something to sit on mattered.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Ukrainian civilian guides

Label the bag and agree a meeting place

Lithuania advises a name-and-address card on each bag. Keep bags where everyone knows. Add spare keys and your family’s meeting place and contact plan on paper.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

The label and known storage place come from Lithuania’s MoD. The Latvian MoD asks families to agree a meeting place and a way to leave messages if phones fail. Ukraine’s guidance adds spare keys.

Ukrainian evacuees warned relatives in advance that they might be unreachable. Signal was rare on the road and phone batteries ran down.

Sources: Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Ukrainian civilian guides, Ukraine SES, shelters

Pack your pet’s papers and kit

Pack your pet’s passport and medicines. Prepare a carrier, leash, muzzle, dry food and water. Attach a collar tag with the names and contacts of at least 2 people.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

All items are from the Latvian MoD pet guidance. It also advises agreeing in advance with friends or family in a safe place to take your pet, and says pets will not be allowed into public shelters.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, LSM and Latvian MoD, pets

Keep proof that you own your home

In Ukraine, payment for a destroyed home needed every owner’s right in the state property register, which was only 40% complete. Keep a copy of your property papers with your documents.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Ukraine’s compensation service accepted a destroyed-home claim only if all owners were in the register. Without registration, a copy of the ownership document was required. Heirs also needed an inheritance certificate.

Owners registered before 2013 were often missing from Ukraine’s digital register and had to register before they could claim.

Sources: Ukraine eRecovery (Diia), LIGA.net, eRecovery, New America, 2024

Myth

Pack the bag now, not later

Packing a go-bag is alarmist; do it later.

Reality Pack it before any crisis. Once one starts, shops empty quickly and you can only use what is already at home.

Pack the bag now and keep it for emergencies only. Once a crisis starts, shops can empty quickly and you can only pack what is already at home.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Ukrainian guidance says to pack before a crisis, because shops empty at once, and to keep the bag for emergencies only. In January 2022 such advice was called alarmist weeks before the invasion.

In January 2022 some experts called go-bag advice alarmist. The full-scale invasion began a few weeks later.

Sources: Ukrainian civilian guides, Ukraine SES, shelters

Checklist

18 items

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A packed backpack ready by an apartment door — Illustration

Leave or stay

Your decision

Usually you stay home until services say to leave. Prepare now so that, when the call comes, you can go at once.

Leave when told, and then at once

Do not evacuate unless the responsible services tell you to. VUGD says: if officials tell you to evacuate, the situation is already dangerous. Keep documents, phone and money ready to go at once.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: do not evacuate without instructions; the start is announced on the 112 Latvija app, radio and municipal channels. VUGD: an evacuation call means danger is already present. Norway agrees that staying home is often safest.

On 08.04.2022 a strike on Kramatorsk railway station killed 60 civilians who were waiting to be evacuated after trains were delayed.

Sources: LV portāls / VUGD, evacuation, OHCHR, 06.2022, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024

Go by official routes, tell relatives

When evacuation is announced, take your bag and ID and go. Use only the routes services recommend, not shortcuts. No car? Go to the nearest assembly point. Tell relatives where you are going.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: take your ID, use recommended routes, not unfamiliar roads; without a vehicle, go to the nearest assembly point; tell relatives. VUGD: leave by your own means if you can, so official transport is free for others. Lithuania: shortcuts may be blocked; early beats late.

In 2022 a family leaving Kyiv needed 8 hours just to exit the city. A trip that normally takes half a day took 3 days.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukrainian civilian guides

Agree a place to stay outside your area

Estonia and Lithuania advise: agree now with relatives or friends in another town that they will host you. State evacuation shelters are mainly for people with nowhere else to go.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Estonia: arrange a place outside the danger zone; state shelters are for those without one. Lithuania: arrange hosts in another town in advance. Norway: plan where you will go and how you will get there.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Norway DSB, 2024

More for this stage

Keep the fuel tank at least half full

Never let your fuel drop below half a tank. In Ukraine in 2022, queues began on the first day and stations later limited sales to 10–20 L. A half tank lets you leave without queuing.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD advises at least half a tank as a personal reserve and asks you to plan for 72 hours without fuel. Estonia agrees. In Ukraine, cars that ran out of fuel were abandoned and blocked evacuation roads.

In May 2022 Kyiv drivers could buy only 10 L per visit. One queue in central Kyiv was more than 85 cars long.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, FOX 13, 2022, Global News, 2022, NBC News, 2022, VUGD, shelters, Ukrainian civilian guides

Store spare fuel only in safe cans

Use a closed, unbreakable can made for fuel. Fill it on the ground, engine off. Keep it out of your home, away from children and sun. Latvian rules allow at most 40 L in a garage.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian fire safety rules set a 40 L limit in parking buildings, require tightly closed unbreakable containers, and say to fill cans on the ground with the engine off. The UK safety authority says never take petrol into a home.

Sources: Latvian fire safety rules, UK HSE, petrol

Pack an evacuation kit for the car

Keep in the car: 5 L water bottles, long-life food, first-aid kit, rechargeable torch, paper road map, accident-report forms, a reflective vest per passenger. In winter add blankets, gloves and a snow shovel.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Both Latvian MoD handbooks give this car list, including 5 L water bottles and winter items. A paper map matters when phone navigation fails.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Expect very slow traffic

Expect long traffic jams during an evacuation, with many hours spent waiting. Norway warns travel in a crisis can be chaotic and take much longer than normal.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: evacuation can cause traffic jams where you will spend a long time. Norway: crisis transport can be chaotic and much slower. In Ukraine, journeys took several times longer than normal.

In 2022 an evacuation train to Poland took 24 hours, with no toilets on board.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Ukrainian civilian guides

Secure your home before you leave

Switch off appliances you do not need, but keep the alarm on. If possible, shut off gas and electricity. Close windows and lock doors. Keep keys near the door and exits clear.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: switch off appliances, keep the alarm on, close and lock. VUGD adds: shut off gas and electricity if possible. Lithuania also says shut off water and empty the fridge.

Sources: Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, VUGD, shelters

Ask where organised transport will take you

Before you board organised transport, ask about the route, the destination and the housing. Tell organisers early about pets, disability or older relatives. Humanitarian evacuation help is free.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Humanitarian evacuation guidance used in Ukraine: ask about route, destination and accommodation; declare special needs in advance; aid is always free. Poorly planned evacuations led to family separation, theft and exploitation.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports

Decide now what would make you leave

Agree with your family now which events would make you leave, and where you would go. Then follow official evacuation instructions and routes. In Ukraine, safe ways out closed fast.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Mariupol was besieged from 03.03.2022; official evacuation to government-held territory began only on 14.03.2022. The UN found corridors too few, unreliable and unsafe. A Bucha family that fled on 07.03.2022 knew of no safe route.

At the end of March 2022, the UN estimated that 150,000–200,000 people were still in Mariupol.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, 04.2022, ICRC, Mariupol, 2022, OHCHR, 06.2022, Latvian MoD, 72 hours

Stay on paved roads near fighting

Where fighting has happened, drive only on paved roads. Avoid road edges, potholes, fields and dirt tracks. Do not drive over bags or boards on the road. If you stop, stay on the hard surface.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Ukrainian official guidance: paved roads are mined less often, but road sides and potholes can hide mines, and objects on the road can hide them too. Ukraine’s emergency service warns against dirt roads, forests and fields.

Around Izium in 2022, nearly 50 civilians, including at least 5 children, were treated for mine injuries. About half lost a foot or lower leg.

Sources: ArmyInform / Ukraine SES, 09.2023, Human Rights Watch, 01.2023, Ukraine CSC, mines guide

Plan for one adult leaving with children

In war, Latvia can declare mobilisation. Male citizens aged 18 to 60 who are fit for service are reservists. Agree now who leaves with the children, where you meet, and how you share money.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

General mobilisation is declared in a state of exception or war. Reservists include male citizens from 18 until 60 and must follow a summons. A state of exception may also close borders. In Ukraine this split families.

On 24.02.2022 Ukraine barred men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country for the period of martial law.

Sources: Latvian Military Service Law, Latvian Mobilisation Law, Ukraine Interior Ministry, border, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Prepare papers for a child leaving

A child needs a valid passport or ID card, even inside Schengen. Leaving the EU or Schengen with one parent: bring the birth certificate or a notarised copy. With another adult: a notarised power of attorney.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian rules require these documents when a child leaves for a non-EU or non-Schengen country. Inside Schengen, a passport or ID card is needed, and countries or carriers may ask for more. The Foreign Ministry also advises a power of attorney for medical decisions.

Sources: LV portāls, documents, Latvian Cabinet rules 721

Myth

Do not return while fighting continues

I can go home when it gets quieter.

Reality Estonia and Lithuania advise not returning while your area is in combat or under enemy control; returnees may be treated as suspects.

Estonia and Lithuania advise: once you have left an area that is now in combat or under enemy control, do not try to go back home.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Estonia says do not try to return to an area in combat or under enemy control. Lithuania adds that you may be suspected of spying.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Lithuanian MoD, 2015

If your area is occupied

Longer term

What Latvian law asks of you, and what Ukrainians lived through under occupation. Facts to know, not tactics.

Keep following Latvian law, not the occupier

Latvian law still applies in occupied territory. Latvian guidance says: do not cooperate with the occupation power, do not give interviews or be filmed, and do not take part in its elections or referendums.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD lists these duties for occupied territory and the general duty not to cooperate with the aggressor. Lithuania gives the same rule.

Sources: Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours

Go to territory Latvia’s forces control

Latvian guidance says: if your area is occupied, evacuate to the part of Latvia the National Armed Forces control. Estonia and Lithuania add: once you have left, do not return while the enemy still holds your home area.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD, first point for occupied territory. Estonia and Lithuania both say do not return to an enemy-held home area; Lithuania notes you may be suspected of spying. Human Rights Watch shows what a closing window means.

In occupied Oleshky there was no organised safe evacuation route. The population fell from about 24,000 to about 2,000; those left include older people and people unable to leave.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Move by day and avoid empty buildings

Latvian guidance for occupied territory: if you must move, go on foot or by bicycle, in daylight if possible. Avoid abandoned buildings and bridges, which may be mined. Never pick up abandoned weapons.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD handbook, section on temporarily occupied territory. Lithuania adds: do not move at night, and abandoned weapons may be booby-trapped.

Sources: Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

More for this stage

Do not approach or film armed soldiers

Lithuania advises: do not approach armed soldiers, stare at their equipment or film them openly, and keep children off the streets. Ukraine advises civilians not to wear any camouflage clothing.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Lithuanian MoD: curious people may be taken for spies. Ukrainian guidance: camouflage can get a civilian mistaken for a combatant. This fits the Latvian rule not to be filmed by the occupier.

Sources: Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Ukraine SES, shelters

Expect checkpoints inside towns from day 1

In occupied Ukraine, checkpoints appeared inside villages, at entrances and on main roads from the first days. Men were made to undress for body checks. People with Ukrainian passports were questioned and searched more.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

The UN human rights office documents checkpoints from the start, strip checks and the singling out of Ukrainian-passport holders. CSIS: checks were strictest near the front line.

Civilians passed 22 to 25 checkpoints on a 200 km drive from Berdiansk to Zaporizhzhia in March 2022.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Know that phones were searched and monitored

In occupied Ukraine, soldiers searched phones in full. A banking app, a chat group or one photo could lead to detention. National mobile networks were cut, and calls ran through monitored networks.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

UN reports describe full phone searches and what put people at risk, and networks cut and rerouted. Fear of phone checks cut people off from evacuation news. CSIS: monitored traffic and SIM registration with biometrics.

At a checkpoint in Zaporizhzhia region, a pensioner was held about 1 month because a private chat group on his phone had videos of Ukrainians protesting.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Myth

Deleting data did not protect people

A phone with deleted messages is a safe phone.

Reality Screeners connected phones to computers to restore deleted data. An empty phone, or having no phone, also raised suspicion.

In occupied Ukraine, deleted data and empty phones did not protect people. Screeners connected phones to computers to look for deleted content.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Human Rights Watch: screeners said they would restore deleted data, and a man’s deleted phone still showed contacts that got him questioned. The UN: an empty phone, or no phone, also raised suspicion.

One man had deleted many things, but interrogators still found contacts and a photo of his son that they treated as suspicious.

Sources: OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Myth

Reading news at home was not private

What I read or repost at home stays private.

Reality In occupied Ukraine, watching Ukrainian media or reposting content led to terrorism or treason charges, with 10 to 30 year sentences.

In occupied Ukraine, watching Ukrainian media or reposting content led to terrorism or treason charges, with sentences of 10 to 30 years. Occupiers also paid neighbours for tips.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

CSIS (2026) documents charges and 10–30 year sentences for media use and reposts. The UN: online reporting platforms and paid tips; detainees often believed neighbours had reported them.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Understand what “filtration” screening involved

Occupiers screened people before letting them move. They took fingerprints, palm prints and face photos, searched bodies and phones, and asked about political views. Waiting lasted from hours to almost 30 days.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Human Rights Watch (2022) describes the filtration steps, the waiting time and the crowded conditions. Nonviolent Peaceforce recorded disappearances, beatings and pressure to give up passports at filtration points.

In Bezimenne and Kozatske, almost 200 people were held more than 40 days after passing filtration, with their passports withheld.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Know who was detained first

In occupied Ukraine, veterans, hunters and people on prepared lists were detained first. Later came journalists, officials, activists and soldiers’ families. Of 171 detainees with credible accounts, 90% were tortured or ill-treated.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

UN human rights office (2024): first targets and lists, widening targets and 687 recorded arbitrary detentions, family members, and 90% of 171. CSIS cites the UN for the total.

From February 2022 to August 2025 at least 15,250 civilians were detained, in 161 official and 42 unofficial sites such as garages and basements.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

The occupier’s passport came with conditions

In occupied Ukraine, people without the occupier’s passport lost public jobs, healthcare, pensions and aid. Taking it often meant handing in national documents. Men who took it were sent to the enlistment office.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

The UN: services withdrawn from non-holders, and a link to conscription. Nonviolent Peaceforce: the passport as an exit condition, documents surrendered, no proof of citizenship afterwards; some holders were still refused exit.

Residents had until 10.09.2025 to take the passport, leave, or be classed as foreigners at home. From 01.10.2023, men aged 18–27 there could be called up for military service.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Myth

Danger continues after occupiers leave

When the occupiers leave, the danger is over.

Reality In Kherson city, shelling killed 178 civilians after occupation ended. Mines killed 131 civilians in formerly occupied areas; some stay dangerous for years.

In Kherson city, shelling after the occupation ended killed 178 civilians by the end of 2023. Mines killed 131 civilians in formerly occupied areas. Some mines stay dangerous for years. Do not touch; call 112.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

UN human rights office (2024): Kherson city figures before and after occupation ended, and mine casualties in formerly occupied areas. Human Rights Watch: “butterfly” mines are petal-shaped, sometimes bright, lie in large numbers, and often fail to self-destruct.

Around Izium, a Ukrainian deminer said of the petal-shaped mines: “They are everywhere.” Deminers said clearing the area could take decades.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, 01.2023, Ukraine CSC, mines guide, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Kids, elderly, disabled, pets

Some people need more time, more supplies or a plan made for them. Make that plan now, together.

Myth

Plan for your pet before you need shelter

I can always bring my pet into a shelter.

Reality No. Latvian shelter rules do not allow animals; VUGD advises leaving pets at home with food and water.

Do not plan to take your pet to a public shelter: Latvian shelter rules list animals among things not to bring. Leave food and water at home, or agree a carer now.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The 2024 MoD handbook lists animals among things not to bring to a shelter. VUGD recommends leaving pets at home with food and water. Agree a carer in a safe place in advance. Where a shelter does admit a pet, VUGD’s 2025 guidance says it must stay in a separate zone under supervision.

A Latvian journalist in Kyiv goes to the metro during alerts while her dog stays home, where it feels safest.

Sources: LSM and Latvian MoD, pets, VUGD, shelters

Get your pet’s microchip and rabies shot now

To cross EU borders, a dog, cat or ferret needs a microchip first, then a rabies shot (from 12 weeks of age), and an EU pet passport. After the first shot, wait 21 days.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

EU rules, binding in Latvia: chip before vaccination, at least 12 weeks old, at least 21 days’ wait, and a passport for travel between EU countries. The Latvian MoD handbook also says to check rabies vaccination.

In 2022 the EU eased entry for pets of people fleeing Ukraine. In Latvia, of 676 such pets taken to vets, only a quarter had a rabies vaccination.

Sources: European Commission, pets, 2022, Your Europe, pet travel, LV portāls, animals, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Agree who collects the children, and where

Decide who picks up the children if phones are down, and tell the kindergarten or school who may collect them. Choose 1 family meeting place that is easy to find, and practise it.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD asks families to agree pick-up in advance and inform the school. VUGD asks families to agree a meeting point and where to go if they cannot return home. US federal guidance: choose a meeting place that is familiar and easy to find.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 10 steps, Ready.gov (US), plan, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, VUGD, shelters

More for this stage

Myth

Get your child their own ID now

My child already has ID; it is mandatory.

Reality ID is mandatory only from age 15. A child under 15 may have no ID unless parents applied for one.

In Latvia an ID card is required only from age 15. Younger children need one only to cross the border, so many have none. A parent can apply at any age. Bring the birth certificate.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian law makes ID mandatory only from 15. The migration office (PMLP) says it is optional for younger children unless they travel. Parents can request a document at any age, even for infants; the first one needs the birth certificate. A passport also works.

Sources: Latvian law, ID documents, PMLP Latvia, eID

Make sure your child can be identified

Teach your child their full name, address and your phone number. For small children, add a name tag with name, birth date and 2 parent phone numbers.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

International child-protection guidelines (ICRC, UNICEF, UNHCR) say children should know their name and address, and that name tags help identify young children who must flee. Even in an urgent move, the child’s and parents’ names and home address are the minimum record.

In Kyiv on 24.02.2022, a mother wrote her 2-year-old’s name, birth date and 2 parent phone numbers on her back, because a card on clothing could be lost.

Sources: ICRC and partners, 2004, NPR, 04.2022

Teach children never to touch unknown objects

Tell children not to touch lost toys, unknown objects or ammunition. Step away, tell an adult, and the adult calls 112. Show them the uniforms of soldiers, police, firefighters and ambulance crews.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD: do not touch abandoned ammunition or suspicious objects, call 112, and warn children about lost toys and attractive objects. Real responders always carry a service ID; teach children their uniforms. The UN documented child injuries from found mines.

On 03.02.2023 seven children were injured in Izium, Ukraine, when a “butterfly” mine they had found went off.

Sources: Ukraine CSC, mines guide, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, OHCHR and HRW, 2024

Keep a supply of daily medicines

In a crisis, pharmacies in Latvia may close or work only partly. Keep the medicines you take every day at home. Norway advises 7 days extra; Sweden advises 1 month, for example for diabetes.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD says pharmacies may stop working and asks households to stock everyday medicines. Norway: 7 days extra, reorder at least 1 week before you run out. Sweden: a month’s supply of prescription medicines. Ask your doctor.

By April 2022, WHO said 50% of Ukraine’s pharmacies were presumed closed. Fewer working pharmacies caused short breaks in insulin supply.

Sources: Direct Relief / IDF, 2022, WHO Europe, 2022, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Save your e-prescription numbers offline

In Latvia, prescriptions for state-reimbursed medicines are electronic. Print each e-prescription number or save it as a photo. Another person needs that number to collect medicines for you.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvia’s National Health Service advises printing the e-prescription number or saving it as an image; a relative or neighbour needs it at the pharmacy. Paper prescriptions are written only if internet or power fails.

In Ukraine in 2022, unstable internet reduced the availability of insulin across the country, the national diabetes federation reported.

Sources: LSM / NVD, e-prescriptions, NVD Latvia, pharmacies, Direct Relief / IDF, 2022

Myth

Keep insulin cool, never frozen

Insulin is ruined within hours without a fridge.

Reality EU and US guidance: most insulin keeps up to 4 weeks below 30 °C. Freezing and direct heat damage it; never use frozen insulin.

EU guidance: in use or as a spare, insulin keeps up to 4 weeks below 30 °C. Unopened, it goes in the fridge at 2–8 °C. In a blackout keep it cool and shaded. Never use frozen insulin.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

EU product information gives 4 weeks below 30 °C in use, and 2–8 °C unopened. The US FDA gives 28 days at 15–30 °C and says never use insulin that has been frozen. Check your own leaflet; times differ by product.

Sources: European Medicines Agency, US FDA, insulin

Stock items for babies, elderly, disabled

Baby food and formula, special-diet food, nappies. Lithuania and Norway add: spare glasses, hearing-aid and wheelchair batteries, walking aids, and prescription copies.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvia’s 72-hour guide includes baby food and special diets in stored food. Lithuania and Norway list aids, batteries and nappies. The EU notes that children, older people and people with disabilities are hit hardest.

Sources: European Commission, 2025, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Pass warnings on to older neighbours

When a warning comes, pass it on to neighbours if you can do so safely, especially older people who may miss alerts. Before a crisis, help them prepare their homes and kits.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: consider telling neighbours and relatives, and look after older people who may not have access to information channels. The Latvian MoD: if possible, pass the message on; help elderly neighbours prepare and be ready to help them to a shelter. Finland: ask neighbours if they need help.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters

Start earlier for people with limited mobility

People with limited mobility need more time. Plan their route to a shelter now. If evacuation is ordered, start early and take the wheelchair, aids and medical supplies.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD asks helpers to be ready to move people to a shelter or evacuate them. Humanitarian guidance says evacuations of people with reduced mobility need more time and equipment, and organisers need advance notice. Sweden: plan transport to a shelter.

Leaving occupied areas, people walked about 2 km on an open road carrying children and belongings, with no help for older or disabled people.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, CSIS, NP and GPC reports

Make sure everyone at home gets alerts

A siren carries only about 1.5 km. Check that each phone in your home can receive cell-broadcast alerts, and that deaf, blind or non-Latvian-speaking family members have someone to tell them.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: sirens reach only about 1.5 km and other channels are also used. Cell-broadcast alerts are missed if they are switched off in settings or the phone is not updated. The EU aims for warnings to reach everyone, whatever their language or disability.

Sources: European Commission, 2025, VUGD, shelters

A family contact card beside a battery radio — Illustration

Your head

Fear is normal. Routines, rest and checked information help you think clearly and help the people around you.

Read news at set times only

Read news in set slots, for example 15 minutes in the morning, at noon and in the evening. Use public broadcasters and official channels. Do not follow news all day.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD handbook advises planning when and how long you read news, for example 15 minutes three times a day. Sweden lists limiting news as a way to manage anxiety; Finland points to public broadcasters.

During the war, a Kyiv city guide told residents not to watch the news constantly and to check reliable sources about once an hour.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Ukrainian civilian guides

Protect sleep, meals and daily movement

Adults: sleep at least 7 hours. Children and teenagers: 8–10 hours. Move at least 30 minutes a day. Keep regular meals and normal hygiene routines.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD sets sleep at 7 hours or more for adults and 8–10 for children, plus 30 minutes of exercise a day. Norway, Sweden and Finland also stress meals, sleep and routines.

Sources: European Commission, 2025, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Set 3–5 main tasks each day

Write down 3–5 main tasks for the day. Focus on what you can do here and now. Take on only what is within your strength today.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD recommends setting 3–5 main tasks a day. Norway’s civil protection agency adds: focus on the things you can influence.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024

More for this stage

Breathe slowly to stop panic

Breathe in through your nose, counting slowly to 4. Breathe out for longer than you breathe in, for example counting to 6. Repeat until you feel calmer.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD panic method: breathe in through the nose to a count of 4; the out-breath is always longer. A Kyiv guide used “box breathing” with a 4-second hold instead.

A Kyiv city guide recommended box breathing under stress: 4 seconds in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4, for 3–5 minutes.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Ukrainian civilian guides

Myth

Do not use alcohol to calm down

A drink helps calm the nerves in a crisis.

Reality The Latvian MoD says: no alcohol or other intoxicants, and no prescription medicines without a doctor.

Do not drink alcohol or use other intoxicants to cope. Do not take prescription medicines without a doctor’s advice.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD panic guidance: no alcohol, no other intoxicants, no prescription drugs without a doctor. Finland’s guidance also says to avoid alcohol and intoxicants in a crisis.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Myth

Do not predict when the war ends

The war will be over in a few weeks.

Reality The Latvian MoD advises naming no end date. Failed predictions bring hopelessness; prepare for the long term.

Do not set an end date for the war. If the date passes, hope can turn to hopelessness. Plan your life and supplies for the long term.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD handbook: do not name end dates for the war; if your forecast fails it is emotionally hard and hopelessness can follow, so prepare for the long term.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Accept that strong feelings are normal

Finland, Norway and Sweden say fear, anxiety and poor sleep are normal in a crisis. Talk to someone close. If anxiety is severe, seek professional help.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Finland calls strong emotions a normal reaction and advises talking to someone close. Norway says anxiety and poor sleep are normal. Sweden advises professional help when anxiety is severe.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Stay in contact and help others

Keep in contact with family and neighbours. Helping others prepare also reduces your own worry. Start or join a local group with your neighbours.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD asks residents to form local self-help groups and to help neighbours who cannot cope alone. Norway and Sweden list staying in contact and helping others as ways to manage anxiety.

In the 2022 blackout winter, Kyiv’s warming centres offered heat, light, food, news and psychological support in one place.

Sources: European Commission, 2025, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Ask 4 questions before you share

Before you share news, ask: Who wrote it? When was it published? What is its purpose? Where can its sources be checked? If unsure, check official state accounts, LSM or Latvian Radio.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD gives this 4-question check and says not to spread unverified news or rumours. Finland, Sweden and the EU call disinformation a deliberate threat and ask people to check before sharing.

On 14.03.2022 a fake message said Mariupol was “unblocked” and evacuation corridors had opened at 15:00. The city council said it was false.

Sources: European Commission, 2025, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, LB.ua, 2022, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

Doubt messages that make you angry

Norway and Sweden advise extra care with news that surprises, frightens or angers you. Photos, video and voice recordings can be faked. Compare several reliable sources.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Norway: be most sceptical of surprising, frightening or anger-provoking content, which can be manipulated. Sweden warns of fake images, video and voice designed to spread mistrust. Finland: compare sources.

In occupied Ukraine, some channels posted exaggerated sabotage claims and invented partisan groups. This eroded trust in genuine information.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, CSIS, NP and GPC reports

Do not share troop movements or strike sites

Do not share information about where Latvian forces are or how they move, or unchecked news about fighting. Ukraine’s security service warned that videos of strike damage help the attacker aim again.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD asks residents not to share information on the movement or location of the armed forces, nor unverified news about the fighting. Ukraine’s security service: footage of strike damage lets the attacker strike again more precisely. Ukraine’s cyber police warned of fake aid-payment pages.

Sources: Ukraine Cyber Police, 2022, Security Service of Ukraine, 10.2022, Security Service of Ukraine, 05.2023, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters

Keep children’s routines and talk calmly

Keep daily routines and 8–10 hours of sleep for children. Explain simply, listen, and share only checked facts. Sweden adds: say when you do not know.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD sets children’s sleep at 8–10 hours. Sweden advises simple, verified explanations and honesty about uncertainty. Ukrainian guidance: keep routines and give children small tasks.

Ukrainian guides told parents to keep routines and give children small tasks, such as bringing a torch, and to thank them.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Ukrainian civilian guides

Rest before deciding where to go next

After you reach safety, rest before you decide where to go next. Decisions made after days of tiring travel are often poorly informed.

UKRAINE

Why · Source

Aid workers who met Ukrainians leaving occupied areas found that rushed onward decisions after days of stressful travel were often poorly informed. They recommend rest and information first.

Of 581 Ukrainian returnees surveyed, 41% needed legal and psychosocial support and felt they had no one to ask.

Sources: CSIS, NP and GPC reports

Myths that kill

Common beliefs that put people at risk, and what the official guidance says instead. More myths are linked below.

Myth

Keep generators and burners outdoors

A generator or gas burner indoors is fine briefly.

Reality Indoor fumes cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills. Use them only outdoors.

Ukraine’s emergency service: run a generator only outdoors, 6 m from windows and doors. Finland and Estonia: use camping stoves and grills only outdoors. Never heat a room with a gas burner.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Ukraine: generators only outdoors, 6 m from windows and doors; gas burners are not room heaters. Finland and Estonia: stoves and grills outside. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled.

In November 2022, 368 people in Ukraine, 92 of them children, were poisoned by carbon monoxide during the blackouts, and 20 died.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Myth

Wait for the official all-clear

When the explosions stop, it is safe to go out.

Reality Quiet does not mean the danger is over. Stay in cover until officials say it is safe.

Stay in cover until you get word that it is safe. Keep the radio or TV on and follow further instructions. Quiet does not mean the danger has passed.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: do not leave the shelter until you get word that it is safe. VUGD: keep radio or TV on and follow further instructions. Ukrainian civilian guides: quiet does not mean the danger has passed.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukrainian civilian guides

Myth

Treat any surrender message as fake

A message says Latvia gave up or NATO won’t help.

Reality The Latvian MoD: any message about surrender is fake, and claims that NATO will not help are a usual way to demoralise people.

Latvia will be defended together with NATO allies. Any message about surrender, or that the army has stopped fighting, is false, even if it looks official.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

The Latvian MoD states in capitals: Latvia will be defended; any information about surrender or non-resistance is fake. It calls messages that the armed forces stopped fighting or that NATO will not help a usual way to demoralise people. Sweden takes the same position.

On 16.03.2022 hackers put a fake “lay down your weapons” message on Ukraine 24 TV with a deepfake video of the president. He denied it the same day.

Sources: NPR, deepfake, 2022, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

More myths

Myth

Take cover nearby, not far away

Always run to the official shelter, however far.

Reality Go to a public shelter only if it is within 300 m. Otherwise shelter behind at least 2 solid walls where you are.

Go to a public shelter only if it is within 300 m and the route is clear. Otherwise stay in your building, with at least 2 solid walls between you and outside.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: a public shelter only within 300 m; a two-wall place nearby beats travelling far. Ukraine’s emergency service adds that two walls only reduce risk and plasterboard gives none.

Ukraine’s emergency service documented a fragment that passed through two pairs of walls.

Sources: VUGD, shelters, Ukraine SES, shelters

Myth

Not every basement is a shelter

Any basement is a safe bomb shelter.

Reality A basement not built for strikes can trap you if the building collapses. Look for a concrete ceiling, a backup exit and ventilation.

A basement not built to withstand strikes can trap you if the building collapses. The Latvian MoD warns against basements of factory-built (prefabricated) houses. A better basement has a concrete ceiling, masonry walls, a backup exit and ventilation.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: not every basement suits a shelter; collapse adds risk. The Latvian MoD: avoid basements of factory-built houses; a good basement shelter has a reinforced-concrete ceiling, masonry walls, a backup exit and ventilation. Ukraine’s emergency service: when a stairwell collapses, the basement below does not save people.

In old Ukrainian basements, heating and water pipes run through the space. A strike nearby can burst them.

Sources: Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukraine SES, shelters

Myth

Chemical alert? Go up and seal the room

The basement is the safest place in every attack.

Reality Many chemical agents are usually heavier than air and collect low. In a chemical alert, go to an upper floor and seal the room.

Indoors, go to an upper floor, into a room with few windows and doors. Close windows, doors and vents, and switch off ventilation. Follow radio instructions. Outdoors, cover your nose and mouth.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: in a chemical alert go to an upper floor, because chemical agents are usually heavier than air; outdoors, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth and leave across the wind. Finland and Estonia: close doors, windows and vents, switch off ventilation, turn on the radio.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Lithuanian MoD, 2015, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024

Myth

Leave the car and find cover

Staying in your car is safe during an air attack.

Reality A car gives no real protection. Stop clear of traffic, leave it and go to the nearest safer place.

A car is not a shelter. Stop where you do not block traffic, leave the car and go to the nearest safer place, such as a building.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: a vehicle is not a safe shelter. Estonia: leave the vehicle and take shelter elsewhere. The Latvian MoD warns against sheltering near vehicles.

Ukraine’s emergency service tells drivers to stop without blocking traffic and go to the nearest shelter, or else into the nearest building.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Ukraine SES, shelters

Myth

Do not wait to hear a siren

A siren will warn everyone, wherever they are.

Reality A siren carries about 1.5 km, less indoors or in traffic. Alerts also come by phone, radio and TV.

A siren is heard only within about 1.5 km, and buildings, traffic and weather reduce that. Alerts also reach phones by cell broadcast, which is not SMS, and through the 112 Latvija app. Use both.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

VUGD: a siren is audible within about 1.5 km and less with buildings, traffic or weather. Cell broadcast is not SMS and is separate from the 112 Latvija app, so use both. Public TV and radio are official channels too.

Sources: VUGD, shelters

Myth

Boiling kills germs, not chemicals

Boiling makes any water safe to drink.

Reality Estonia notes that boiling kills bacteria and viruses but does not remove chemical contamination.

Estonia notes that boiling kills bacteria and viruses but does not remove chemical pollution. After a nuclear or chemical incident, do not use water from lakes or rivers. Ask the authorities first.

OFFICIAL-ALLY

Why · Source

Estonia: boiling does not remove chemical contamination. Latvian MoD: after a nuclear detonation, do not use water from open water bodies. Norway: river or lake water may be unusable after fallout or a chemical release; check with the authorities.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Norway DSB, 2024

Myth

Store water before the taps stop

The taps will keep running in a blackout.

Reality Water supply needs electric pumps. Store 3 L per person per day for at least 3 days.

Water supply needs electricity. Store 3 L of drinking water per person per day, 4 L in hot weather, for at least 3 days, better 7. Add 10–12 L a day for washing.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: war can cut water; store 3 L per person per day, 4 L in heat, for at least 3 days, a week preferred, plus 10–12 L a day for hygiene. Sweden: keep water at home even if the municipality sets up water tanks.

After the strikes of 23.11.2022, about 80% of Kyiv residents lost power, and about as many lost water.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Myth

Write key numbers on paper

Phones and internet will keep working in a blackout.

Reality Landlines and Wi-Fi routers stop in a power cut. Mobile masts run on batteries that also run out.

Estonia warns that landlines and Wi-Fi routers stop in a power cut. Mobile masts run on backup batteries, which also run out. Keep a portable radio and a printed list of important phone numbers.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvian MoD: war can take down mobile and internet; keep a printed phone list and a portable radio. Estonia: landlines and routers stop. Finland expects networks to run on batteries for a couple of hours at most; Ukraine reported 4–5 hours. No Latvian figure is published.

In Kyiv’s blackouts, the online map of warming and charging points could not be used without mobile internet.

Sources: Estonian Rescue Board, 2026, SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, Kyiv blackout reports, 2022

Myth

Cards may not work; keep cash

Cards always work, so cash is unnecessary.

Reality Without power and internet, card payments stop. Keep cash for 1 week of family needs.

Card payments and ATMs can stop in a power or network outage. Keep cash for 1 week of your family’s needs, in 5, 10 and 20 euro notes.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvijas Banka: without electricity and internet, card payments will not work. Latvian MoD: cash for a family’s weekly needs in 5, 10 and 20 euro notes. Finland: cards and ATMs do not work in a power cut.

Sources: SPEK Finland, 72 hours, Latvijas Banka, 2023, Latvian MoD, 72 hours, VUGD, shelters

Myth

Stock for longer than 72 hours

72 hours of supplies is enough for a war.

Reality 72 hours is Latvia’s minimum. Latvia advises 3–7 days and, in war, as long as possible.

Latvia asks for at least 72 hours of supplies, better 3–7 days. Ukraine’s experience shows war needs longer. Norway and Sweden recommend 1 week. Add 1–2 extra items each time you shop.

OFFICIAL-LV

Why · Source

Latvia: at least 72 hours, 3–7 days, and in war as long as possible. Norway and Sweden set 7 days. Sweden: build up by buying 1–2 extra items on each shopping trip.

Sources: Latvian MoD, 72 hours, Latvian MoD handbook, 2024, VUGD, shelters, Norway DSB, 2024, Sweden MCF/MSB, 2026

More myths in this guide

My flat on district heating stays warm.Do not count on district heating · The first 24 hours
An X of tape stops window glass shards.Taped crosses do not protect windows · The first 24 hours
In war, banks freeze all your money.Do not withdraw all your savings · The first 24 hours
Loosen a tourniquet now and then to let blood through.Do not loosen a tourniquet · 72 hours at home
Rescue services will help every household at once.Do not count on fast outside help · A week and beyond
Packing a go-bag is alarmist; do it later.Pack the bag now, not later · The go-bag
I can go home when it gets quieter.Do not return while fighting continues · Leave or stay
A phone with deleted messages is a safe phone.Deleting data did not protect people · If your area is occupied
What I read or repost at home stays private.Reading news at home was not private · If your area is occupied
When the occupiers leave, the danger is over.Danger continues after occupiers leave · If your area is occupied
I can always bring my pet into a shelter.Plan for your pet before you need shelter · Kids, elderly, disabled, pets
My child already has ID; it is mandatory.Get your child their own ID now · Kids, elderly, disabled, pets
Insulin is ruined within hours without a fridge.Keep insulin cool, never frozen · Kids, elderly, disabled, pets
A drink helps calm the nerves in a crisis.Do not use alcohol to calm down · Your head
The war will be over in a few weeks.Do not predict when the war ends · Your head

Sources and limits

Public sources are linked below. Check official instructions during an emergency.

Estonian Rescue Board (Päästeamet) / Government Office crisis portal
Olevalmis.ee crisis instructions (EN) — emergency supplies, power cuts, water, heating, evacuation, EE-ALARM, sheltering, communication outage, military conflict
https://www.olevalmis.ee/en
2026 · checked 05.10.2026
European Commission and High Representative (Council copy ST 7558/25); Commission press corner
European Preparedness Union Strategy, JOIN(2025) 130 final, with Action Plan annex, press release IP/25/856 and Q&A QANDA/25/857
https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7558-2025-INIT/en/pdf
2025-03 · checked 05.10.2026
SPEK (Finnish National Rescue Association) / 72 hours concept
72 hours home preparedness: 72tuntia.fi English pages, Home Preparedness brochure (2025-01), and 72 hours Background information for instructors (Dec 2022)
https://72tuntia.fi/en/
2022-12 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania
Prepare to survive emergencies and war: a cheerful take on serious recommendations (English edition of 'Ką turime žinoti apie pasirengimą ekstremalioms situacijoms ir karo atvejui', 2nd ed.)
https://upload.movim.eu/files/72545d95562ce01c8d7e25cb0e413a679c22c9f2/lEXjkncNURxLPWEaBsIx9qPVlXq3RJAKSviYVxUp/ka_turime_zinoti_praktiniai_patarimai_en-el.pdf
2015 · checked 05.10.2026
Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzības ministrija (sargs.lv)
Kā rīkoties krīzes gadījumā (72 stundas buklets), papildinātā redakcija 2024
https://www.sargs.lv/sites/default/files/2025-02/Buklets_K%C4%81%20r%C4%ABkoties%20kr%C4%ABzes%20gad%C4%ABjum%C4%81.pdf
2024-05 · checked 05.10.2026
Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzības ministrija (Ministry of Defence of Latvia)
Rokasgrāmata «Kā rīkoties kara gadījumā»
https://www.sargs.lv/sites/default/files/2024-05/Ka%20rikoties%20kara%20gadijuma%2015.05.2024%20b.pdf
2024-05 · checked 05.10.2026
LSM (Latvijas Radio) + primary: Aizsardzības ministrija (sargs.lv)
Militārā apdraudējuma gadījumā uz patvertni savu mājdzīvnieku nevarēs vest (LSM, 27.06.2024); primary: AM rokasgrāmata 'Kā rīkoties kara gadījumā' (15.05.2024)
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/zinas/latvija/27.06.2024-militara-apdraudejuma-gadijuma-uz-patvertni-savu-majdzivnieku-nevares-vest.a559556/
2024-06 · checked 05.10.2026
Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD); riga.lv (Rīgas valstspilsētas pašvaldība)
VUGD civil-protection pages: shelters FAQ, cell broadcast FAQ, air-threat sheltering, siren test notice, civil protection FAQ, 'Ceļvedis rīcībai ārkārtas situācijās' PDF; riga.lv siren test article
https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/patvertnes
2025-2026 · checked 05.10.2026
Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB)
How you can play your part in Norway's emergency preparedness – Advice on emergency preparedness (English edition, 2024)
https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/system/files/2025-11/dsb-egenberedskap-engelsk-web.pdf
2024-09 · checked 05.10.2026
Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (MCF, formerly MSB)
In case of crisis or war (English edition, MCF0180, June 2026)
https://rib.msb.se/filer/pdf/31523.pdf
2026-06 · checked 05.10.2026
Composite: SES Ukraine (via Media Center Ukraine), Kyiv City authorities (via Ukrainska Pravda), SES/UNICEF Ukraine, hromadske, Babel, Al Jazeera, Fakty ICTV, Meduza
Winter 2022-23 Ukrainian blackout lessons: Points of Invincibility, CO poisoning, water, heat, mobile networks
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/26/hold-amid-attacks-kyivans-offer-tips-on-survival-optimism
2022-11 · checked 05.10.2026
Visit Kyiv (Kyiv City tourism portal); Prospect Magazine; Forces News (BFBS); The Prepared forum + NPR
Kyiv-resident / Ukrainian lived-experience survival guides for foreigners (composite)
https://visitkyiv.com/kyiv-today/survival-guide-from-ukrainians/
2022-01 to 2026-04 · checked 05.10.2026
CSIS (Jade McGlynn); Nonviolent Peaceforce, Helping to Leave & Way of Ukraine; Global Protection Cluster
Thresholds of Survival: The Resistance in Occupied Ukraine (CSIS, Jan 2026) + Perilous Journeys (NP, Mar 2024) + Guidance on Humanitarian Evacuations of Civilians in Ukraine (GPC, Jul 2024)
https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2026-01/260114_McGlynn_Thresholds_Survival.pdf https://nonviolentpeaceforce.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Perilous-Journeys-March-2024.pdf https://globalprotectioncluster.org/sites/default/files/2024-07/guidance_on_humanitarian_evacuation_-_eng_-_july_2024.pdf
2024-03/2026-01 · checked 05.10.2026
OHCHR / UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine; Human Rights Watch
Human rights situation during the Russian occupation of territory of Ukraine and its aftermath (OHCHR, 20 Mar 2024); 'We Had No Choice': Filtration and the Crime of Forcibly Transferring Ukrainian Civilians to Russia (HRW, Sep 2022); Ukraine: Civilians Trapped in Occupied Khersonska Region (HRW, 9 Jul 2026)
https://ukraine.un.org/en/download/156547/264057
2024-03 · checked 05.10.2026
State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS/SESU), as reported/republished by UP.Zhyttia, TSN, Telegraf, Vikna, Glavcom, ArmiyaInform; Kyiv City State Administration; Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
SESU guidance on the two-walls rule, shelter types, air-alert actions and the emergency go-bag (compiled)
https://dsns.gov.ua
2022-2026 · checked 05.10.2026
AFP (syndicated by International Business Times)
A 27-Storey Walk Home: Ukraine Power Cuts Bring Lifts To A Halt
https://www.ibtimes.com/27-storey-walk-home-ukraine-power-cuts-bring-lifts-halt-3646683
12.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine / Ministry of Digital Transformation (Diia)
єВідновлення — Зруйноване житло
https://erecovery.diia.gov.ua/destroyed.html
2026 · checked 05.10.2026
ArmyInform (Ministry of Defence of Ukraine news agency), relaying the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS)
Що робити під час повітряної тривоги
https://armyinform.com.ua/2023/03/02/shho-robyty-pid-chas-povitryanoyi-tryvogy/
03.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
ArmyInform (Ministry of Defence of Ukraine news agency), quoting the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS)
У ДСНС нагадали основні правила мінної безпеки в Україні
https://armyinform.com.ua/2023/09/18/minna-bezpeka-v-ukrayini-u-dsns-nagadaly-osnovni-pravyla-bezpeky/
09.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
European Commission, DG Health and Food Safety
Refugees crisis from Ukraine - Special arrangements for pets' entry (Annex, 11 March 2022)
https://www.dresden.de/media/pdf/veterinaer/ukraine_crisis_2022_-_contact_information.pdf
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Estonian Rescue Board (Päästeamet)
During a gas accident - Gas Leaks
https://www.rescue.ee/en/instruction/gas-leaks/during-a-gas-accident
2026 · checked 05.10.2026
European Medicines Agency (EPAR product information, insulin aspart)
NovoRapid: EPAR - Product Information (Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 6.3-6.4)
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/novorapid-epar-product-information_en.pdf
2024 · checked 05.10.2026
European Payments Council (interview with NBU Director of Payment Systems)
Payments in wartime: the story of the National Bank of Ukraine
https://www.europeanpaymentscouncil.eu/node/24136
07.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
European Union (Your Europe portal)
Travelling with pets and other animals in the EU
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_en.htm
09.2026 · checked 05.10.2026
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Information Regarding Insulin Storage and Switching Between Products in an Emergency
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/emergency-preparedness-drugs/information-regarding-insulin-storage-and-switching-between-products-emergency
09.2017 · checked 05.10.2026
FOX 13 (Storyful footage)
Russian attack on Ukraine prompts massive traffic jams as people flee Kyiv
https://www.fox13news.com/news/russian-attack-on-ukraine-prompts-massive-traffic-jams-as-people-flee-kyiv
02.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Fox Business (citing Reuters)
Ukraine bank customers seen withdrawing cash from ATMs
https://foxbusiness.com/markets/ukraine-bank-customers-withdraw-cash-atm
02.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Global News
Russian attacks on Ukraine's fuel depots mean critical shortages and an anxious public
https://globalnews.ca/news/8812099/ukraine-fuel-shortage/
05.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Human Rights Watch
Ukraine: Apparent War Crimes in Russia-Controlled Areas
https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/03/ukraine-apparent-war-crimes-russia-controlled-areas
04.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Human Rights Watch
Ukraine: Banned Landmines Harm Civilians
https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/01/31/ukraine-banned-landmines-harm-civilians
01.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
ICRC (with UNICEF, UNHCR, Save the Children, IRC, World Vision)
Inter-agency Guiding Principles on Unaccompanied and Separated Children
https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/assets/files/other/icrc_002_1011.pdf
01.2004 · checked 05.10.2026
International Committee of the Red Cross
Ukraine: Safe passage for civilians from Mariupol halted for a second day; ICRC calls on parties to agree to specific terms
https://ir.icrc.org/en/?p=4057
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA)
У ліфтах столичних багатоповерхівок встановлять 5000 екстрених боксів допомоги від соціально відповідального бізнесу
https://kyivcity.gov.ua/news/u_liftakh_stolichnikh_bagatopoverkhivok_vstanovlyat_5000_ekstrenikh_boksiv_dopomogi_vid_sotsialno_vidpovidalnogo_biznesu/
12.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA), Department of Municipal Security
Мешканців Києва закликають не користуватися ліфтами у періоди стабілізаційних відключень електроенергії у будинку
https://kyivcity.gov.ua/news/meshkantsiv_kiyeva_zaklikayut_ne_koristuvatisya_liftami_u_periodi_stabilizatsiynikh_vidklyuchen_elektroenergi_u_budinku/
11.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
LB.ua
The occupiers are spreading fakes that Mariupol is already Russian - Andriushchenko
https://en.lb.ua/news/2022/03/14/11014_occupiers_spreading_fakes.html
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Latvijas Banka
Kas jāzina par naudu krīzes gadījumā (easy-read booklet)
https://mm.latvijasbanka.lv/embed/file/21a5c53c-f0b6-4890-b3d5-b10be4476976
11.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
LIGA.net
How to get compensation for a damaged apartment after a missile strike: what's important to know
https://life.liga.net/en/education/article/what-to-do-if-your-apartment-was-damaged-by-an-explosion-wave-a-step-by-step-guide
08.2026 · checked 05.10.2026
Saeima / Likumi.lv (official legal portal)
Personu apliecinošu dokumentu likums
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/243484-personu-apliecinosu-dokumentu-likums
01.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
LSM (Latvian public broadcasting), quoting the National Health Service (NVD)
Visas kompensējamo zāļu receptes un slimības lapas izrakstīs tikai elektroniski
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive--stils/veseliba/visas-kompensejamo-zalu-receptes-un-slimibas-lapas-izrakstis-tikai-elektroniski.a262781/
01.2018 · checked 05.10.2026
LSM (Latvian public media), interview with Gaso representative Aleksandrs Broks
Kāpēc gāzes noplūdes laikā nedrīkst zvanīt durvju zvanu? Ikdienišķi jautājumi par gāzi
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive-stils/ikdienai/16.01.2026-kapec-gazes-nopludes-laika-nedrikst-zvanit-durvju-zvanu-ikdieniski-jautajumi-par-gazi.a630312/
01.2026 · checked 05.10.2026
LSM / LTV '4. studija', quoting Gaso operations head Ilmārs Bode
Kādēļ, sajūtot gāzes smaku, ne vienmēr jāzvana 114?
https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/dzive--stils/ikdienai/kadel-sajutot-gazes-smaku-ne-vienmer-jazvana-114.a396475/
03.2021 · checked 05.10.2026
LV portāls (Latvijas Vēstnesis, state official publisher)
Kādi dokumenti nepieciešami bērnam, izbraucot no valsts
https://lvportals.lv/skaidrojumi/352918-kadi-dokumenti-nepieciesami-bernam-izbraucot-no-valsts-2023
06.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
Saeima / Likumi.lv (official legal acts portal)
Militārā dienesta likums (version in force 20.06.2025 - 31.12.2026)
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/63405
06.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministru kabinets (Latvijas Republika)
Ugunsdrošības noteikumi (MK noteikumi Nr. 238, 19.04.2016.)
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/281646-ugunsdrosibas-noteikumi
04.2016 · checked 05.10.2026
Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia / Likumi.lv
MK noteikumi Nr. 721 "Kārtība, kādā bērni šķērso valsts robežu" (version from 30.03.2019)
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/214902
03.2019 · checked 05.10.2026
Saeima / Likumi.lv (official legal acts portal)
Mobilizācijas likums (version in force from 18.06.2025)
https://likumi.lv/ta/id/63407
06.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
Sargs.lv (Latvian Ministry of Defence), published on LV portāls
Iespējams apdraudējums deviņu Latvijas novadu gaisa telpā (papildināts 19. maijā plkst. 13.20)
https://lvportals.lv/dienaskartiba/389890-iespejams-apdraudejums-devinu-latvijas-novadu-gaisa-telpa-papildinats-19-maija-plkst-13-20-2026
05.2026 · checked 05.10.2026
LV portāls (Latvijas Vēstnesis), quoting VUGD
Evakuācija apdraudējuma gadījumā ir iedzīvotāju pienākums. Vai tā iespējama piespiedu kārtā?
https://lvportals.lv/skaidrojumi/348128-evakuacija-apdraudejuma-gadijuma-ir-iedzivotaju-pienakums-vai-ta-iespejama-piespiedu-karta-2023
01.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
LV portāls (VSIA Latvijas Vēstnesis), citing PVD and Zemkopības ministrija
Noteikta kārtība, kādā bēgļi no Ukrainas reģistrē mājdzīvniekus
https://lvportals.lv/skaidrojumi/340266-noteikta-kartiba-kada-begli-no-ukrainas-registre-majdzivniekus-2022
04.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Prokadry (Kadrovyk-01), relaying Ukraine's Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories
Уряд нагадує: дотримуйтесь правил безпеки під час повітряної тривоги
https://prokadry.com.ua/news/61630-uryad-nagadue-dotrimuytes-pravil-bezpeku-pid-chas-povitryanoi-trivogi
03.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
Aizsardzības ministrija (Latvia)
10 soļi, lai sagatavotos rīcībai krīzes gadījumā un kara gadījumā
https://www.mod.gov.lv/sites/mod/files/document/10%20so%C4%BCi%20lai%20sagatavotos%20r%C4%ABc%C4%ABbai.pdf
2024 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine (Cyber Police)
Cyber police warn of fraud under the guise of social benefits
https://mvs.gov.ua/en/news/kiberpoliciya-poperedzaje-pro-saxraistvo-pid-viglyadom-socialnix-viplat
10.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
NBC News
4-hour wait for 5 gallons of gas: Oil shortage sparks panic-buying in Kyiv
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/4-hour-wait-5-gallons-gas-oil-shortage-sparks-panic-buying-kyiv-rcna28095
05.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
National Bank of Ukraine
NBU-Initiated Joint Banking Network POWER BANKING Has Been Created, Will Even Work in Blackouts
https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/za-initsiativi-natsionalnogo-banku-stvorena-spilna-bankivska-mereja-power-banking-yaka-pratsyuvatime-navit-v-umovah-blekautu
12.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
National Bank of Ukraine
Resolution No. 18 On Operation of Banking System under Martial Law
https://bank.gov.ua/admin_uploads/law/24022022_18_eng.pdf?v=4
02.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
New America (Digital Impact and Governance Initiative)
Challenges of Diia and the eRecovery Program
https://www.newamerica.org/digital-impact-governance-initiative/reports/ukraine-post-crisis-property-compensation-reconstruction/challenges-of-diia-and-the-erecovery-program/
2024 · checked 05.10.2026
NPR
Deepfake video of Zelenskyy could be 'tip of the iceberg' in info war, experts warn
https://www.npr.org/2022/03/16/1087062648/deepfake-video-zelenskyy-experts-war-manipulation-ukraine-russia
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
NPR
A Ukrainian mom scribbled her contact info on her daughter's back as the war erupted
https://www.npr.org/2022/04/08/1091542359/ukrainian-mom-daughter-writing-back-instagram-war-makoviy
04.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Briefing note: Birth and death registration for residents of non-government controlled areas of Ukraine
https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/pdf/briefing-notes/ukraine/briefing-note_civil-registration.pdf
06.2018 · checked 05.10.2026
Nacionālais veselības dienests (press release published on LV portāls)
Kā aptiekā iegādāties citai personai izrakstītas zāles
https://lvportals.lv/dienaskartiba/384209-ka-aptieka-iegadaties-citai-personai-izrakstitas-zales-2025
12.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
UN OHCHR
Situation of human rights in Ukraine in the context of the armed attack by the Russian Federation, 24 February - 15 May 2022
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/countries/ua/2022-06-29/2022-06-UkraineArmedAttack-EN.pdf
06.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Pilsonības un migrācijas lietu pārvalde (PMLP)
Jautājumi un atbildes par eID karti
https://web.archive.org/web/20230126213657/https://www.pmlp.gov.lv/lv/aktuali-par-eid-karti
06.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Ready.gov, U.S. Department of Homeland Security / FEMA
Make a Plan
https://www.ready.gov/plan
10.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
Security Service of Ukraine (SSU)
SSU calls not to take photo or video of enemy strikes and their impact
https://ssu.gov.ua/en/novyny/sbu-zaklykaie-ukraintsiv-ne-znimaty-ta-ne-poshyriuvaty-video-vorozhykh-prylotiv-video
10.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Security Service of Ukraine (SSU)
To avoid helping russia guide missiles at Ukraine, owners of street webcams are asked to turn off online broadcasting
https://ssu.gov.ua/en/novyny/sbu-zaklykaie-vlasnykiv-vulychnykh-vebkamer-vymknuty-onlaintransliatsiiu-shchob-ne-dopomahaty-rf-navodyty-rakety-na-ukrainu
05.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security (dovidka.info, Government of Ukraine)
A Guide to Handling the Threat of Mining
https://dovidka.info/en/a-guide-to-handling-the-threat-of-mining/
09.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
LIGA:ZAKON (reporting recommendations of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine)
Держспецзв'язку надало рекомендації, як залишатися на зв'язку та зберегти заряд смартфона
https://biz.ligazakon.net/news/214556_derzhspetszvyazku-nadalo-rekomendats-yak-zalishatisya-na-zvyazku-ta-zberegti-zaryad-smartfona
10.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Економічна правда (interview with Yurii Matsyk, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine)
Як працює мобільний зв'язок та інтернет в блеакаут: пояснення Мінцифри
https://www.epravda.com.ua/publications/2022/12/27/695493/
12.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Government of Ukraine portal (kmu.gov.ua), Ministry of Health
МОЗ пояснює, як уберегтися від отруєння чадним газом
https://www.kmu.gov.ua/news/moz-poiasniuie-iak-uberehtysia-vid-otruiennia-chadnym-hazom
12.2023 · checked 05.10.2026
Interfax (quoting Kyiv City State Administration)
Kyiv residents advised against leaving their homes, shelters
https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/74423/
02.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Kyiv City State Administration (kyivcity.gov.ua)
Як завантажити мапу на смартфон
https://kyivcity.gov.ua/bezpeka_ta_pravoporiadok/blekaut/yak_zavantazhiti_mapu_na_smartfon/
2023 · checked 05.10.2026
Finance.ua (reporting Ministry of Digital Transformation press release)
Як залишатися на зв’язку під час знеструмлень: поради Мінцифри
https://news.finance.ua/ua/yak-zalyshatysya-na-zv-yazku-pid-chas-znestrumlen-porady-mincyfry
10.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MON)
Вміст тривожної валізи (рекомендації)
https://mon.gov.ua/static-objects/mon/sites/1/civilniy-zahist/2022/03.02/Rekom.vmist.tryvozhnoyi.valizy.03.02.pdf
02.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MOZ)
Порядок надання домедичної допомоги постраждалим в умовах бойових дій/воєнного стану (Наказ МОЗ № 441, 09.03.2022)
https://moz.gov.ua/uploads/8/40984-dn_441_09032022_dod29.pdf
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry of Health of Ukraine (MOZ)
Порядок надання домедичної допомоги постраждалим при масивній зовнішній кровотечі (Наказ МОЗ № 441, 09.03.2022)
https://moz.gov.ua/uploads/8/40962-dn_441_09032022_dod4.pdf
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Ukrainska Pravda Life, relaying Ukraine Ministry of Health (MOZ) instructions
Немає опалення, аварія на газопроводі чи в електромережі: що робити? Інструкція
https://life.pravda.com.ua/health/2022/03/09/247733/
03.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine (relaying State Border Guard Service)
Regarding restrictions on crossing the border for the exit of a separate category of citizens from Ukraine
https://mvs.gov.ua/en/news/shhodo-obmezen-v-peretini-kordonu-na-viyizd-z-ukrayini-okremoyu-kategorijeyu-gromadyan
02.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Слово і Діло (transcript of President Zelensky's evening address; same wording reported by Interfax-Ukraine 873853)
Новий проект «Пункти незламності» буде розгорнутий по всій країні – звернення Зеленського
https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2022/11/23/novyna/polityka/novyj-proekt-punkty-nezlamnosti-bude-rozhornutyj-po-vsij-krayini-zvernennya-zelenskoho
11.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
TSN (citing security expert Ruslan Bolhov on Kyiv24)
Ванна, коридор чи підвал? : експерт назвав місця у будинку, які можуть врятувати життя під час атаки
https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/vanna-korydor-chy-pidval-ekspert-nazvav-mistsia-u-budynku-iaki-mozut-vriatuvaty-zyttia-pid-chas-ataky-3135788.html
07.2026 · checked 05.10.2026
Ukraine Crisis Media Center (quoting Independent Association of Banks of Ukraine)
Blackout shows that country's banking system can cope with challenges
https://mediacenter.org.ua/strong-blackout-shows-that-country-s-banking-system-can-cope-with-challenges-chair-of-the-board-of-independent-association-of-banks-of-ukraine-strong/
11.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Direct Relief (republished from International Diabetes Federation; author: Valentina Ocheretenko, board chair, Ukrainian Diabetes Federation)
Diabetes and War: The Critical Role of Diabetes Organizations during Humanitarian Emergencies
https://www.directrelief.org/2022/07/diabetes-and-war-the-critical-role-of-diabetes-organizations-during-humanitarian-emergencies/
07.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Health and Safety Executive (UK)
Staying safe while storing and using petrol
https://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/staying-safe.htm
10.2024 · checked 05.10.2026
United Nations in Ukraine / UNHCR
Protecting rights, restoring dignity: UNHCR provides legal support to displaced people in Ukraine
https://ukraine.un.org/en/295658-protecting-rights-restoring-dignity-unhcr-provides-legal-support-displaced-people-ukraine
06.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency), Ukraine help site
Information on the situation in Ukraine — For persons inside of Ukraine, UNHCR advises you to
https://web.archive.org/web/20241207121948/https://help.unhcr.org/ukraine/information-on-the-situation-in-ukraine/
2024 · checked 05.10.2026
UNICEF Ukraine
Fostering a culture of safety among children and youth: Making mine safety rules known to children
https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/en/stories/fostering-culture-safety-among-children-and-youth-making-mine-safety-rules-known-children
01.2025 · checked 05.10.2026
Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD)
Vai tu zini, kā rīkoties ārkārtas gadījumos? Informatīvais materiāls iedzīvotājiem
https://vugd.gov.lv/lv/media/1351/download
2015 · checked 05.10.2026
WHO Regional Office for Europe
Statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe (In solidarity with the health workers of Ukraine this World Health Day)
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/06-04-2022-in-solidarity-with-the-health-workers-of-ukraine-this-world-health-day
04.2022 · checked 05.10.2026
Wikimedia Commons · George Chernilevsky
Radio during blackout 2022 (Vinnytsia, Ukraine, 07.12.2022) — the photo at the top of this page, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Radio_during_blackout_2022_G1.jpg
07.12.2022 · checked 05.10.2026

Changes

05.10.2026 First public version (English).

Version 1.0.0. Corrections are welcome at info@protectwise.eu.