State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) of Latvia informs that a new functionality – the possibility to see the nearest available shelters – has been introduced in the application "112 Latvia". This option is designed to improve public awareness and responsiveness in emergency situations.
Users of the 112 Latvia application will be able to see in the map not only the shelters closest to their location, the basements of which have been found to be appropriate or partially appropriate for the needs of the shelter, but also to view other shelters located in Latvia, as well as to obtain basic information regarding them. The app's shelters section features an informational window that allows a resident to know if they have a shelter in place at a safe distance or not, as well as receiving explanatory suggestions on what to do in a threat situation if they are indoors or outdoors. In addition, a feature has been created in the app to help its user quickly open the navigation system on their phone, which allows the resident to get to the chosen shelter. Taking into account that communications may be disrupted during emergencies, the app ensures that shelter information will also be displayed when the phone does not have access to an internet connection.
If you don't see the new shelter section when you open the application, you need to update the application. Shelter information is regularly updated and is also available on the website www.112.lv.
"While the issue of shelters was raised given the geopolitical situation in the region, the SFRS says emergencies can range from armed conflicts to natural disasters such as floods, storms or hail. Therefore, timely awareness of the closest possible shelters is essential for the safety of each resident," says Mārtiņš Baltmanis, chief of SFRS.
In addition to the new functionality, the 112 Latvija application provides the following capabilities:
- receive warning notifications,
- access security advice in the event of various threats,
- send a text message to the single emergency telephone number 112.
We encourage residents who have not yet downloaded the 112 Latvija app to do that, while existing users to update the app to access the latest information and features.
Officials at SFRS have surveyed a total of 3,286 state and local government-owned basements and underground floors. According to the guidelines (recommendations) 395 sites have been recognised as minimum requirements for the establishment of a Category III shelter, while 1 277 sites have been recognised as partially compliant. In total, the capacity is for 532,863 people. Last year, the SFRS handed over to local governments shelter signs that were placed on buildings where the basements surveyed have been found to comply or partially comply with developed shelter guidelines.
More information about shelters can be found here - https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/patvertnes
