The first seconds of an alert: what matters most
When you hear a siren or get an alert on your phone, the key is not to freeze or start filming — take a few simple actions instead. Here is the basic sequence:
- Stop what you're doing — don't try to "quickly finish" the task at hand.
- Check where the signal came from — an official app or a loudspeaker (see the section on sources below).
- Grab your phone, power bank, documents and water — keep this minimal kit within reach ahead of time.
- Head to the nearest shelter at a calm but brisk pace.
- If there's no shelter nearby, apply the "two-wall rule."
This isn't a "just in case" recommendation: in Ukraine, an air raid alert signals a genuine threat of a missile or drone strike, and the time you have to react is sometimes measured in minutes.
The two-wall rule: when shelter is out of reach
If you can't make it to a shelter in time, the two-wall rule is what protects you. The idea is simple: there should be at least two solid walls between you and the building's outer wall. The first wall absorbs the main blast and debris; the second shields you.
In practice, this means:
- Move into a corridor, bathroom or another interior room with no windows.
- Stay away from windows, glass doors and mirrors — during a strike, the main danger is not the blast wave itself but flying shards of glass.
- Don't stand on the balcony or step outside "to take a look."
- Sit on the floor and cover your head with your hands.
The two-wall rule is a temporary measure. If the alert drags on or you hear explosions, move to a proper shelter at the first safe opportunity.
Where to find the nearest shelter: official maps and apps
Ukraine has a state network of shelters, and their locations are marked on official maps. For a foreign visitor, the most reliable approach is not to ask passers-by but to rely on trusted sources:
- The official Air Alert app — shows the alert status by region in real time and sends push notifications. Available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Local government shelter maps. Many cities (including Kyiv) run interactive shelter maps on their official city council portals. Search for "shelter map + city name" on the community's official website.
- Google Maps also flags some shelters, but it isn't an official source — use it only as a backup.
- Metro stations in Kyiv and Kharkiv officially serve as shelters during alerts.
Tip: as soon as you arrive at your hotel or apartment, ask the host or reception where the nearest shelter is, and walk the route while it's still light. A few minutes of preparation saves critical time during a real alert.
What to do: at home, on the street, in transport, in the metro
At home. Move to an interior space under the two-wall rule, or go down to a shelter if there is one in or near the building. Don't use the lift — if the power cuts out, you could get stuck. Keep your shoes and a "go bag" by the door.
On the street. Head to the nearest shelter, underpass or metro station. If none are close by, move away from glass storefronts, tall buildings and parked cars, lie down in a natural dip in the terrain (a ditch or hollow) and cover your head.
In transport. A public transport driver is required to stop and let passengers off. Calmly leave the vehicle and head to the nearest shelter. In your own car, pull over to the shoulder, stop and move to a protected spot; don't stay in the car near a bridge, overpass or petrol station.
In the metro. You're already in one of the safest places. Step back from the platform edge and wait for the all-clear. Listen to staff announcements.
Official alert channels: where to check the status in real time
To avoid missing an alert — and, just as important, to learn about the all-clear in time — rely only on official channels:
- The Air Alert app — the main source of push notifications in Ukrainian and English.
- Sirens and the loudspeaker warning system in cities.
- The official Telegram channels of the regional military administrations for the area where you are.
- A website and apps with an alert map that aggregate official data by region.
The all-clear is announced the same way the alert is. Don't leave the shelter just because things have gone quiet around you — wait for the official signal.
Why this directly affects your insurance
Even with every precaution, travelling to a country under martial law remains a high-risk situation, and standard travel policies usually don't cover such events. Specialised insurance with war-risk coverage costs a few euros a day and can cover medical expenses arising from war-related incidents. You can arrange it in advance — it's worth calculating the price and buying a policy before you enter Ukraine.
Note the territorial exclusions: coverage generally does not apply in four categories of zones — areas of active combat as defined by state acts; temporarily occupied territories; a 50-kilometre buffer zone around both of these; and areas under a special-access regime. These are not "entire regions" but specific zones whose status is set by official documents. Plan your route to stay clear of them.
Quick summary
An air raid alert is a manageable situation once you know the drill. Install the official alert app, find the nearest shelter ahead of time, memorise the two-wall rule, and act calmly according to the scenario that fits your situation. Preparation takes just a few minutes — and it saves lives.