Zaporizhzhia is introducing a new, stricter protocol for alerting the population about air threats. Local authorities are responding to the specifics of modern hostilities, in particular the mass use of guided air bombs (KABs) by Russian troops. The Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration (RMA) Ivan Fedorov confirmed that the warning system will be adapted to current realities to ensure maximum operational efficiency and citizen awareness.
Extension of the alarm signal
One of the key changes will be the duration of the siren. If the air raid alarm signal previously sounded for three minutes, in the event of a KAB threat, the alert time will be increased to five minutes. This is done to attract the attention of residents who may not immediately react to the standard signal and to give them more time to find shelter.
In addition to street loudspeakers, the patrol police are being connected to the alert system. Patrol car crews equipped with loudspeakers will patrol the central streets of the city. Their task is to duplicate information about the danger and inform residents about the specific threat of heavy air bombs.
Technological breakthrough: Cell Broadcast
The city is implementing the Cell Broadcast technology, which will become an additional channel of communication with the population. Danger messages will automatically appear on mobile phone screens, even if they are locked or another application is open. The notification will be accompanied by a loud sound signal that cannot be ignored.
The system works directly through cellular towers and does not require users to install special applications or connect to the internet. All three largest Ukrainian operators are participating in the technology testing: Kyivstar, Vodafone, and lifecell.
Update of the "Air Raid" application
At the same time, the functional capabilities of the official "Air Raid" application are being expanded. Now users will receive not only a notification about the fact of the alarm, but also detailed information about the type of threat. This will allow residents to better understand the nature of the danger and act accordingly.
"We are working to ensure that every resident of Zaporizhzhia receives information about the danger as quickly as possible," Ivan Fedorov emphasized.
Background of escalation
The strengthening of the alert system is taking place against the backdrop of systematic strikes by Russian troops on the city. In the evening of July 12, Zaporizhzhia was attacked by strike drones. As a result of the shelling, two people were killed and more than ten were injured. Multi-story residential buildings, a hospital, and cars were damaged, and a fire broke out. New security measures are designed to minimize human casualties in the conditions of the ongoing war.
