New rules for responding to air raid alerts have been introduced in Ukraine. Instead of a single signal, there are now two levels of danger, which determine how businesses, institutions and the public should act.
The yellow level indicates the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, drones) being used. The air raid alert signal lasts for around 30 seconds in the “Attention everyone!” format with a voice announcement. During this period, businesses, transport and institutions are allowed to continue operating, provided that people have access to their own or another shelter within the designated gathering radius: up to 300 metres for buildings of three storeys or more (over 9 metres high) and up to 500 metres for low-rise development. Work in a properly equipped safe space is also permitted.
If there is no shelter nearby, the workforce, subject to formally documented consent (minutes of a meeting), may temporarily continue activities without shelter, but for no longer than three months. Public transport and the underground continue to operate under the yellow level.
The red level signifies a missile attack, including ballistic missiles, or a combined or large-scale strike. In this case, the alert signal lasts for about one minute, again in the “Attention everyone!” format with a voice announcement. During a red level alert, the operations of businesses, institutions and organisations must be halted, and all employees and visitors must immediately proceed to protective structures or the nearest shelters.
The new rules are intended to draw a clear distinction between levels of threat and to help organise people's safety depending on the type of air attack.