Vilnius plans funding to improve civil defence shelters

Vilnius plans to provide additional funding to improve civil defence shelters and install remote unlocking systems after an air raid alert exposed problems with access, LRT reported.

The air raid alert in May was the first declared in Lithuania since the restoration of independence, according to Vilnius city authorities. Existing shelters were selected based on buildings’ structural suitability and the time needed to prepare them.

Under the current requirement, shelters must be opened within 12 hours of an alert. However, the city says people need protection immediately and is seeking ways to ensure faster access.

Vilnius plans to launch a shelter support programme later this year. The funding would be available for premises included on the official shelter list and could be used to install remote unlocking systems. Support would also be provided for window protection measures at schools and other educational institutions without shelters.

The city says the total shelter space in Vilnius would be enough for 1 million people, nearly twice the city’s official population. However, almost 72 percent of the shelter space is located in apartment buildings, raising questions about access and how the space would be cleared.

Recommendations prepared by the municipality advise apartment building administrators to establish an access procedure known to residents and appoint several people responsible for opening the shelter. Information about access to the shelter and the nearest alternative should be displayed prominently, such as near the building or in the stairwell. Notices should state how quickly the shelter can be opened and provide relevant contact details.

Most shelters are currently used as storage rooms, garages or other auxiliary premises, making access during an emergency a concern, city administration director Adomas Bužinskas said. He added that access should not depend on one person or one key, and that alternative unlocking arrangements should be planned.

The municipality has also prepared recommendations for residents, apartment building managers, educational institutions and event organisers. They are available in the civil protection section of the municipality’s website and in the Kovas app.

During school and childcare hours, the city says the priority is to protect children and staff. People from outside may be admitted to shelters in schools or kindergartens only if there is sufficient space and a separate area is available. Otherwise, they should be directed to the nearest alternative shelter.

Outside operating hours, residents will be able to use such shelters if they have a tested access procedure and clear arrangements for opening the premises, including on-duty staff, security personnel or remote access. The municipality plans to hold exercises for this purpose.