„One of the most common mistakes is closing the notification without reading it to the end. Wanting to silence the unusual phone signal as quickly as possible, people tap the notification or close it, and only later try to remember what was written in it. However, the warning notification provides not only information about the threat but also specific instructions on how to act,“ says Donatas Antanaitis, senior specialist of the Warning and Population Protection Division of the Civil Safety Department of the Fire Protection and Rescue Department.
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According to the civil safety specialist, another mistake is to ignore the warning, thinking that “nothing serious is happening,” “it’s just a test,” or “it doesn’t concern me.” “Upon receiving a warning, you should not guess. If the message reached your phone, it is worth taking a few minutes to evaluate the information and make sure which territory and what threat it is intended for,” advises D. Antanaitis,
“Often people, instead of following official information, rush to look for answers on social networks, groups, or comments. In such places, information can be incomplete, incorrect, or outdated. Therefore, you should first rely on official sources and instructions provided by institutions,” says D. Antanaitis. “Another mistake is to think that all dangers should be handled the same way. This is not the case.
In the case of one threat, it may be recommended to stay indoors and close windows, while in another – to leave a certain area as quickly as possible or go to shelter. Therefore, the most important thing is to follow the instructions provided in the specific warning notification.”
According to the specialist, some residents call the emergency number 112 just to find out more information after receiving a warning notification: “However, 112 is intended for calling emergency help, so unnecessarily overloading the lines may prevent those who really need help from getting through.”
According to D. Antanaitis, it is also important not to forget about the people nearby: “Not everyone can hear, read, or understand the warning. Therefore, it is worth checking whether elderly relatives, children, neighbors, or people who may need help have received the information and taking care of them.”
The warning notification on the phone is not meant to scare or disturb calm. Its purpose is to quickly convey information about a possible or already occurring danger and help the person make appropriate decisions.
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Upon receiving a warning notification:
- Stay calm and carefully read the entire message.
- Follow the instructions provided in the message.
- Follow official information through LT72, LRT, state and municipal institutions’ information channels.
- Warn relatives or neighbors who may have missed the warning.
- Do not call 112 unless necessary – it is intended to report a real incident or emergency.
What different warnings may mean?
Air danger
Upon receiving a warning about air danger, follow the instructions provided in the message. Depending on the threat level, it may be recommended to identify a safe place or the nearest shelter, immediately go to a safe place or shelter, and follow further information.
Dangerous meteorological phenomena
Upon receiving a warning about a storm, strong wind, heavy rain, or other dangerous phenomena, follow the main recommendations indicated in the message, ensure your and your relatives’ safety, avoid unnecessary travel, do not stand under trees, unstable structures, or power lines.
Fire, chemical or radiation accident
In such cases, it may be recommended to stay indoors, close windows and doors, turn off ventilation systems, or prepare for evacuation. Always follow the specific instructions provided in the warning notification.
Evacuation
If the message indicates evacuation, immediately follow the instructions of the responsible institutions and go to the designated safe place or assembly point for residents.
More information about preparing for possible threats and recommendations on how to act during emergencies can be found on the emergency preparedness website.
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