Currently, there are 145 shelters in properties managed by the Property Bank across Lithuania, whose supply with necessary inventory is being reassessed following the emergency situations in recent weeks. The shelters located in the basements and semi-basements of buildings are intended for short-term protection during emergencies – residents could safely stay there for up to several hours.
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“The properties managed by the Property Bank contain only a relatively small portion of all the country’s shelters. After completing the inventory, about 10 thousand people could temporarily hide in the shelters. One of the most important tasks is for the entire national shelter network to operate cohesively, so cooperation between municipalities, institutions, and businesses is essential,” emphasizes Gintaras Makšimas, General Director of the Property Bank.
A large part of the necessary safety measures in the shelters located in the properties managed by the Property Bank has already been installed. The shelters are equipped with first aid kits, fire extinguishing equipment, alternative light sources, radio receivers, and drinking water where there is no centralized water supply. Additional safety measures are also being implemented – doors are being replaced, window protection is being strengthened, electrical installation work is being carried out, and modern access control systems are being installed.
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“One of the most important solutions currently being implemented is automated and remote unlocking of shelters. We also understand that a sign with a shelter symbol on the building door is not enough. In emergency situations, there should be no interpretations, so access to shelters is additionally marked with arrows inside the buildings,” says G. Makšimas.
Although finishing works are still being carried out in some properties, these premises can already be used if necessary. All shelter installation works are planned to be completed by autumn. The cost of installing one shelter is about 5 thousand euros.
