Can you take shelter in tents in the underground? The underground service has issued a reminder of the safety rules
During an air raid alert, 46 underground stations in Kyiv operate as shelters, with all entrance halls open without exception, according to the metro authority.
Rules for using the metro as a shelter
To stay overnight in the metro, you must:
- arrive at the station before it closes;
- inform staff and the police that you plan to stay overnight;
- go down to the platform.
Important: access is granted under normal conditions, provided no air raid alert has been declared in the city.
During prolonged air raid alerts, when tens of thousands of people are taking shelter in metro stations at the same time, it is important to consider not only your own comfort, but also the safety and comfort of others.
Station platforms have a fixed size, so it is necessary to use the space sensibly to ensure there is enough room for everyone. You should also avoid bringing bulky items into the shelter, as these may obstruct passengers’ movement.
It is important to ensure that evacuation routes remain clear. In the event of an emergency, the passage must remain open to allow people to move safely and quickly. Tents can significantly obstruct the use of evacuation routes.
After the night-time shelling, many Kyiv residents complained that they could not find a place in the metro because of bulky tents.
To make staying in stations at night safer and more comfortable, you should bring:
- warm clothes, blankets and sleeping mats, as the average temperature in the metro is 17–18°C and there may be draughts;
- personal medication and a bottle of water;
- hygiene products (wet and dry wipes);
- for pet owners — nappies and waste bags.
Tip: there are usually fewer people at central stations during an air raid alert. We therefore recommend using them whenever possible in the event of danger.
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