The guide was prepared by the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, and the Government Security Centre in cooperation with experts, local governments, services, and non-governmental organisations. The publication contains practical tips on everything from creating family emergency plans, evacuation rules and recognising warning signals to checklists that facilitate the preparation of supplies and necessary equipment.

The publication is divided into thematic sections that show, step by step, how to respond in different situations:

• Your preparation matters - safety guide, preparation, safety.
• Together we care for our safety - The Act on Civil Protection and Civil Defence (a Polish act regulating the civil protection and civil defence system), civil defence, civil protection, military, NGOs, social organisations, military service.
• Prepare yourself and people close to you. Health, mental health, emotions, vaccinations.
• Vulnerable individuals - children, older adults and people with disabilities.
• Take care of your pets - dogs, cats, vaccinations, transport, microchips, farm animals, animal evacuation.
• Prepare your surroundings - home, school, work, car.
• Alarm signals and warning messages - sirens, Regional Warning System (a system for rapidly alerting residents about threats), a message issued by the Government Centre for Security to rapidly alert citizens about threats, alarms.
• Evacuation - securing your home, evacuation backpack, animals, escape routes.
• Safety in crowds - crowds, matches, concerts, panic.
• Shelters - shelters, hiding places, temporary shelters, safe places.
• Fire - how to extinguish a fire, fire extinguishers, evacuation from a burning building.
• Floods - securing your home, evacuation plan, electricity, gas, signal flags.
• Prolonged power outage (blackout) - power outage, supplies, alternative light sources, alternative heating sources.
• Air attack - shelter, evacuation, air raid alarm.
• Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats - CBRN, contamination, securing the building.
• Disturbing behaviour - suspicious persons, fraud, warning signs, reporting incidents.
• Terrorist threats - bomb threats, gunshots, evacuation, hiding, cooperation with the authorities.
• Digital threats - phishing, disinformation, password security, backups, cyberattacks.
• First aid - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), stopping bleeding.
• Hygiene in a crisis - hand washing, disinfection, makeshift toilet, waste.
• Crisis plan - family plan, emergency contacts, meeting place, supplies, documents.

The guide is available to all residents of Poland:

• A printed version will be delivered to every household. A Braille edition has also been prepared.
• The electronic version is available in various languages (including English, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Lithuanian).

Preparing for Fire, Flood or Blackout

It is impossible to avoid all hazards, but their effects can be mitigated. It is essential to prepare a minimum three-day supply of household items, including food, water (3 litres per person per day), a first aid kit, lighting, hygiene products and cash.

In case of fire

• Call for help by dialling 112.
• If the fire is small, try to extinguish it but do not risk your life.
• Do not open windows. Do not use the lift. Protect your airways with a damp cloth.

During a Flood

• Do not ignore weather alerts.
• Prepare an evacuation backpack, secure your home and help your neighbours.
• If you cannot evacuate, hang a flag: white - evacuation, red - medical assistance, blue - food and water.

In Case of a Blackout

• Prepare alternative sources of light and heat, keep power banks charged.
• Unplug electrical appliances, conserve heat and do not open the refrigerator unnecessarily.

Tips for Families, Seniors and Children

Family Emergency Plan

Create a family action plan. Establish a meeting place, contact numbers and practise emergency scenarios. Every member of the household, including children, should have their own evacuation backpack with the most necessary items.

Elderly & Vulnerable

Help seniors and people in need of support to prepare for emergencies - take care of medications, batteries for medical equipment and contact with services if necessary.

Children

Talk to them calmly about emergency situations, explaining their role and providing a sense of security. In difficult moments, the calmness of adults is of the utmost importance.

Emergency Contacts

In an emergency, use only reliable sources of information and emergency numbers:

• 112 - General Emergency Number
• 999 - Ambulance
• 998 - Firefighters
• 997 - Police
• 987 - Regional Crisis Management Centre
• 800 70 22 22 - Support Centre for Adults in Mental Crisis
• 116 111 - Helpline for Children and Young People
• 800 12 12 12- Ombudsman's helpline for children

If you hear an alarm signal (a modular siren sound lasting 3 minutes), turn on the radio or television and follow the announcements.

A crisis can come unexpectedly. Awareness and responsible preparation allow you to act more calmly and effectively. The "Safety Guide' is not just a collection of recommendations. It is a practical tool that can save lives.