The Ministry of the Interior has issued updated self-protection instructions for citizens in the event of danger arising from hostile action. The guidance sets out how the public will be alerted, how to locate shelters and what items should be included in an emergency bag. Civil Defence personnel are already assigned to patrol affected areas and assist residents where necessary.
How emergency warnings are issued
In the event of imminent danger, sirens will sound in affected areas and citizens will be instructed to move to shelters or temporary protected spaces. Civil Defence sirens are used for immediate public warning in cases of serious or widespread threat, with the aim of enabling timely self-protection.
Sirens are activated exclusively by the competent authorities. A fluctuating sound indicates the start of an alarm and signals serious danger requiring immediate protective action. A steady continuous sound indicates the end of the alarm, meaning the immediate threat has passed, although citizens are advised to remain alert and continue monitoring official information channels.
🎒 Σακίδιο Έκτακτης Ανάγκης
— Υπουργείο Εσωτερικών (@MinInteriorCY) March 3, 2026
Δημιούργησε, προληπτικά, το δικό σου σακίδιο έκτακτης ανάγκης με βασικά προϊόντα, το οποίο θα μπορείς εύκολα να μεταφέρεις σε καταφύγιο, στο ενδεχόμενο που θα δοθούν σχετικές οδηγίες από τις αρμόδιες Αρχές. pic.twitter.com/BOc3T3hHZz
Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and follow updates via radio, television and official social media channels of the competent authorities.
Locating shelters and moving safely
Civil Defence shelters are designed to provide protection from explosions, debris and related risks. Stays are expected to be short-term until the danger subsides.
Citizens are encouraged to identify in advance the nearest shelter to their home or workplace through the SafeCY application or by contacting the Civil Defence Operations Control Centre at 22 403 451 or 22 403 452. Movement to shelters should be orderly and without panic, and no one should leave a shelter without official instruction.
Items to include in an emergency bag
If relocation to a shelter is required, citizens should take with them:
- Identification documents or essential papers
- A small amount of money
- Water, dry food and infant food where applicable
- First aid supplies
- Essential medication or ongoing prescribed treatment
- A torch, a portable radio and spare batteries
If no shelter is available
In areas without designated shelters, residents should identify a space inside their home or workplace away from windows, doors and glass surfaces. During an alarm, individuals should lie face down and cover their head with their hands. If outdoors, they should lie face down and seek cover in a trench, ditch or depression where possible.
Citizens are advised to remain calm and follow the instructions of the competent authorities at all times.
Communities near British Bases and Paphos Airport
For the communities of Pyla, Ormideia, Xylofagou, Xylotymbou, Timi, Anarita and Mandria, Civil Defence has prepared a precautionary evacuation plan. Community Councils and Deputy Mayors have been informed accordingly.
Residents have been or will be informed during the day by local authorities via WhatsApp, Viber or text message regarding temporary protection sites that may operate if required. Civil Defence personnel will be present at designated locations to guide and assist citizens in safe accommodation.