Former Emergency Official's Advice for When a Shelter Is Out of Reach

Guidance for Surviving a Missile Attack

According to Главком: Konstantin Grinchuk, a retired colonel and former advisor to Ukraine's Minister of Emergency Situations, has issued critical advice for civilians caught in a missile strike with no time to reach a bomb shelter. He stressed that correct actions in these moments are vital, as

"you may have no hours, or only seconds. In those seconds, chaotic running can be more dangerous than staying put and finding proper cover"

- Konstantin Grinchuk.

In the early hours of April 16, Russian forces launched a mass strike across Ukraine using attack drones and missiles. Primary targets included Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Bila Tserkva, Cherkasy, and frontline territories. In such a situation, Grinchuk recommends these immediate actions:

• Drop to the floor immediately;
• Protect your head;
• Open your mouth;
• Wait for the series of explosions to pass.

Only after 2-3 explosions should you quickly move to a bathroom or hallway.

Grinchuk also highlighted common mistakes people make during bombardments.

"People often gather on the first floor or in elevator lobbies, not realizing this creates a direct path for the blast wave"

- Konstantin Grinchuk. If you cannot reach a shelter with two protective walls, he advises seeking safety near load-bearing walls, in windowless areas, or at windowsill level.

Preparing for an Emergency

Furthermore, the former official emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness. Essential items to keep by your bedside should include:

• A phone and power bank;
• Passport and flashlight;
• Critical medication and a tourniquet;
• Water and a whistle.

These simple yet critical measures can significantly improve survival chances in a crisis.

Grinchuk's guidance is particularly relevant as Ukraine's civilian population faces persistent threats from Russian aggression. This advice is part of a broader effort to help civilians cope with the realities of war. Being prepared and knowing how to act under fire can save lives, and understanding these recommendations is crucial for personal safety when every second counts.

As the threat of missile strikes persists, understanding the broader implications of such attacks is crucial. Recent warnings about the vulnerability of Ukraine's infrastructure, including potential flooding from targeted strikes on dams, highlight the interconnected nature of these risks. For an in-depth analysis of how these threats could escalate and impact civilian safety, read more about the potential for catastrophic flooding in our detailed report here.