WHAT TO DO

IN CASE
OF A CRISIS

KEEP THIS
BROCHURE
UPDATED EDITION
2022
 LAYOUT – INGA ROPŠA/Latvian Geospatial Information Agency. ILLUSTRATIONS – SHUTTERSTOCK, INGA ROPŠA. PHOTO – GATIS DIEZIŅŠ. COVER PHOTO – MASTER SGT. SCOTT THOMPSON, U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD
THIS BROCHURE WAS PREPARED BY
THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT MILITARY NEWS PORTAL

https://www.sargs.lv

Информацию по русски вы можете You can find information in Latvian on

найти на https://bit.ly/2Ancgq9 https://bit.ly/3bA6izn

INFORMATION WAS PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH

CONTENTS
WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS / 3 DAYS 4

~ WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW? 4

~ WARNING AND INFORMING THE POPULATION OF
WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND FURTHER ACTIONS 5
~ DISINFORMATION RISKS 6
~ WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS? 7

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION 8

~ WATER 8
~ FOOD 8
~ MEDICATION 9
~ WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY KIT/BAG AND WHAT MUST
BE IN IT? 10

RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR 11

~ SUPPORT NATIONAL DEFENCE 11

~ KNOW YOUR SERVICES 12
~ ELIMINATING MILITARY THREAT 14
~ RESISTANCE 15
~ EVACUATION 16
~ AIR RAID AND ARTILLERY ATTACK SAFETY GUIDELI-
NES 17
~ CHEMICMAL ATTACK SAFETY GUIDELINES 18
~ NUCLEAR ATTACK SAFETY GUIDELINES 18
~ TEST 19
 WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR
YOU TO KNOW?
Disasters, pandemics or military operations can cause power outages, inter-
ruptions in Internet and mobile communication services or closure of shops,
WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS / 3 DAYS

fuel stations, and ATMs.

This brochure will help you and your family prepare timely to manage (survive) un-
der these conditions for at least the first 72 hours or 3 days until the government
agencies are able to restore the essential services and provide the necessary
assistance.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be prepared for emergency
situations in advance.

1 Discuss and agree on an action plan with

your family.

2 Stock-up food, water, and essential items

to last a minimum of 3-7 days.

3 Pack an emergency kit/bag

(see page 10).

4 Write down in a notebook or memorize

mobile phone numbers of your close relati-
ves, neighbours, friends and other people
important to you and urge them to do the
same.

[ Refresh practical knowledge that might help you and your

family under extreme conditions (first aid, water source
locations, emergency numbers etc.) on a regular basis. ]
4
WARNING AND INFORMING
THE POPULATION OF
WHAT HAS HAPPENED AND
FURTHER ACTIONS

WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS / 3 DAYS

IF YOU HEAR SIRENS OR PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
THROUGH LOUDSPEAKERS:

TURN ON THE TV TURN ON THE RADIO

Keep track of the information on social media pages and websites

of the government agencies:
www.mod.gov.lv, www.mil.lv; www.sargs.lv; www.iem.gov.lv;
www.vugd.gov.lv; www.vm.gov.lv
@aizsardzibasministrija; @latvijasarmija; @Latvianfirefighters;
@Valsts.policija; @Iekslietas; @VeselibasMinistrija; @NMPdienests
@aizsardzībasmin; @latvijas_armija; @ugunsdzeseji;
@Valsts_policija; @IeM_gov_lv; @veselibasmin; @NMPdienests

[ Are you following

the government agencies
in social media? [ 112Emergency
services

Don’t turn off the Check the Call the emergency

TV or radio and information before services only when it
wait for further sharing it with others. is necessary to avoid
announcements. Don’t spread unverified overload.
news and rumours.

5
 DISINFORMATION RISKS
Fight against disinformation is a collective responsibility, you can do
your share by:

1 not spreading unverified facts: always fact-check any information

you intend to share with others;
WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS?

2 reacting and, as much as possible, responding to false narratives

about Latvia through dialogue and offering counterarguments to misin-
formation.

Here is how you can verify whether news about Latvia you are getting are
reliable:
You can ask yourself the 4 W’s questions:

1Can
Who is the author?
I trust the author and the source?

2posted?
When was the article/video content published/

Is information up to date?

3IsWhat is the objective of the news piece?

it an informative or manipulative?

4Does
Where did background information come from?
the article/video mention sources and contain
references?
Can they be verified?

If possible, try to help media and NGOs spread

reliable information.

[ Be vigilant! Aggressor may use

misinformation against your country.
[
6
WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST
72 HOURS?
1 Keep calm.
2cies.
Follow the orders of the responsible government agen-

WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 72 HOURS / 3 DAYS

3 Help your loved ones.
4nearby
Check out whether your neighbours and other people
need help.

5 Volunteer, provide support.

6with
You can contribute in the first days by providing support
your knowledge and skills, material and technical
resources, as well as psychological support to the affec-
ted and families, whose members are involved in over-
coming the treat etc.

7company
Keep working, if possible, especially, if you work for a
or institution that provides essential services
(electricity, communication, healthcare etc.).

DON’T BE LAZY AND INDIFFERENT,

GET INVOLVED!

[ Do you know someone

who would need help in
case of crisis? [
7
 WATER
Drinking water is the most essential element for survival. Adults need about
3 litres of water per day (4 litres in hot weather). In a situation of crisis inter-
ruptions to water supply may affect availability of tap water as well as water
to flush the toilet.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION

ESTIMATE:
how many litres of water are needed to sustain you and
your loved ones for 3 days (or preferably for a week)!

FIND OUT:
the location of natural drinking water sources (wells,
springs) and how to use water purification tablets.

FOOD
Cooking during the state of emergency may be even impossible due to
power outages and natural gas and water supply disruptions, hence, it
is recommended to store food:

1 that can be kept at room temperature;

2 with a long shelf life (at least 6 months);
3 that needs less or even no water and cooking for preparation;
4 that is as nutritious and calorie-rich as possible.
STOCK UP:
canned food, root vegetables, pasta, cereals, dried bread,
instant soups, flour, oil, hard cheese, coffee, tea, sugar, honey,
jam, nuts etc.

KEEP TRACK OF:

the expiration dates of food. When they are approaching expira-
tion, eat them and stock up on long-lasting products again.

DON’T FORGET:
to stock up food for pets.

8
MEDICATION
During a national emergency, pharmacies may be closed or healthcare
institutions may be affected. It is important to make sure that your medi-
cine cabinet at home contains at least one product from the following
groups of medications and the following items recommended by

SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION

the State Emergency Medical Service:

EVERY MEDICINE CABINET SHOULD

CONTAIN:

1 A pain reliever, and fever reducer

2 Gastrointestinal medication (e.g. activated
charcoal, anti-diarrheal)

3 Allergy medications
4 Anti-anxiety medications
5 Disinfectant
6 Bandages and scissors (band-aids,
bandages, napkins etc.)

7 Daily medications of people in your

household (pay attention to expiry date)

8 As well as an emergency foil blanket and

a thermometer

Prepared by the Ministry of Defence based on the recommendations of the State Emergency Medical Service

[ Have you checked

the expiry dates of
your medications? [
9
 WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY KIT/
BAG AND WHAT MUST BE IN IT?
Emergency kit/bag contains things the individual or family will need in case of
evacuation. Use this list to pack your kit/bag timely.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PREPARATION

Pack the following items in your kit/bag:

DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION FOOD AND WATER

 copies of important documents  calorie-rich food with a long shelf life
(passport or ID, driver’s licence, ed- and no preparation required;
ucation certificates) in a waterproof
wrapping;
 multi-functional pocket-knife, can
opener, spoon, non-fragile bowl and
 list of important phone numbers; mug;

 portable radio device with spare  drinking water in plastic bottles (for
batteries; 3 days);

 cash in small denominations (5, 10,  spirit lamp;

and 20 EUR notes);
 water filter, disinfectant tablets;
 waterproof notepad and pen.

HEAT AND LIGHT OTHER:

 spare charger, car charger, power  tape, thread, needle, scissors,
bank; stationary;

 matches, lighter, candles,  towel, toilet paper, disposable

flashlight, batteries; napkins;

 warm clothes, spare underwear  disinfectant, hygiene items;

and comfortable shoes;
 medication you use;
 sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping  first-aid kit (see page 9);
mat, and a tent if available.
 spare glasses or contact lenses.

10
SUPPORT NATIONAL
DEFENCE
o join National Armed Forces or any of the nearest National Guard battalions,
or apply for army reserve combat training;

RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

o report about any movement of aggressor’s military units, sightings of sa-
boteurs, suspicious individuals, all kinds of suspicious banners, marks and
transmitters;

o offer National Armed Forces and NATO forces all kinds of practical support;

o help build fortified defence structures, counter-mobility obstacles and civil

defence infrastructure;

o use deception (take off road signs or street plates) to mislead the enemy or
delay vehicle movement across territories controlled by enemy;

o help salvage peace and motivate your colleagues, family members and
friends to support national defence;

o support your company’s/organisation’s continuity planning and uninterrup-

ted delivery of essential services;

o initiate or suggest your company’s/organisation’s management to create a

local unit of National Guard.

BECOME ONE OF US!

FIND YOUR BASIC ARMY BASIC NATIONAL
CAREER IN THE RESERVE GUARD
LATVIAN ARMY TRAINING TRAINING

11
 KNOW YOUR SERVICES
In case of crisis these services will perform evacuation, provide medical
assistance, and be responsible for public order. These people will always
carry a badge.
RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

SOLDIER

POLICEMAN
12
 RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR
STATE EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICE
WORKER

FIREFIGHTER AND
INSPECTOR

STATE BORDER
GUARD
13
 ELIMINATING MILITARY THREAT
If the country is threatened by an external enemy, the Cabinet of Ministers will
announce a state of emergency, the armed forces and the relevant services will
take protective measures.
RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

LATVIA WILL BE PROTECTED!

ANY INFORMATION ABOUT SURRENDER
OR NON-RESISTANCE IS FAKE NEWS!
TOGETHER WITH NATO ALLIES
WE WILL PROTECT EACH AND
EVERY ONE OF YOU!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
1 defend your family, relatives and your state, its
freedom, independence and democracy;

2 support national defence and resistance if you

are in the National Guard or army reserve, or
have been called to active duty;

3 follow the orders of the relevant agencies. Assist

government efforts by supporting rescue tasks
and/ or preparing for a handover of essential in-
frastructure required for national defence;

4 keep on complying with the laws of the Republic

of Latvia.

KEEP CALM!
AGGRESSOR MAY LAUNCH
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND CYBER ATTACKS
THROUGH OUR MEDIA. RESIST THEM!
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF
AUTHORITIES!
14
RESISTANCE
Even if control over a part of the territory is lost as a result of military
operations, we will continue defending the nation by resisting until national
independence is reinstated.

IF YOU ARE IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORY:

RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

1 evacuate to the part of the country controlled by the
National Armed Forces;

2 keep on complying with the laws of the Republic of Latvia;

3 don’t collaborate with the occupation forces:
 distance yourself from their decisions and actions;
 don’t participate in their demonstrations and campaigns, don’t give
them interviews and don’t let them film you;
 don’t take part in illegal elections or referendum.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO RESIST, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

1 exercise armed resistance (including sabotage) against the enemy forces,

thus cooperating with the NAF;

2 exercise civil disobedience e.g., non-compliance with the laws passed by

the occupation forces, refusal to enlist and work for them, organization
and participation in mass strikes;

3 support the resistance movement.

YOUR SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL

FOR DEFENCE OF OUR STATE!

15
 EVACUATION
IF THE RELEVANT AGENCIES HAVE ANNOUNCED EVACUATION:

1 Listen carefully to the announcement about the process of evacuation, note

down the direction, destination of evacuation, and assembly point.
RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

2 Take your ID or passport with you everywhere.

3 Disconnect gas, electricity and water supply to your home, close the win-
dows, lock the door before evacuation, if you can.

4 Use the routes recommended by the authorities and don’t use unfamiliar
roads.

5 If you don’t have the possibility to use your own vehicle, go to the nearest
assembly point.

6 Inform your family in case of evacuation.

7 Take your emergency kit/bag with you.

[ Do you know how to disconnect

water, gas, and electricity
supply at home? [
KEEP IN MIND:

1 Don’t try to return home before the State authorities allow it.
2 Don’t wear paramilitary outfits, camouflage uniform or military bags
unless you have been enlisted.

3 Don’t approach, provoke, and film unidentified armed individuals, don’t

pick up weapons left on the ground or suspicious objects without a
valid reason.

4 Do not try to move unexploded ordinance, bombs and mines or any

improvised explosive devices yourself.

5 Don’t disseminate information (photos, video, text) about the National

Armed Forces and movement, location, and positions of the allied
forces.

16
AIR RAID AND ARTILLERY
ATTACK SAFETY GUIDELINES

RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

INDOORS

1 If you can, hide in the basement.

2 If you have no basement or it is inaccessible, find a safe space in the
building, stay away from windows (to avoid flying pieces of glass).

3 Follow the "two-wall" principle: when indoors, hide in a place that is at

least two walls from the outside wall (for extra protection and safety
against shockwaves and flying debris).

OUTDOORS

1 Lie down on the ground, cover your head, move slowly, try to crouch
or make short dashes to get to safety.

2 Look for something to shield yourself from explosion debris, hide be-
hind cars, buildings or other objects.

3 If possible, hide in the nearest house basement or brick building.

4 If you see enemy aircraft, best hiding place will be behind a building
or similar objects.

[ If you hear attack sirens, proceed to

the nearest shelter immediately!
[
17
 Please follow the instructions and alerts from responsible authorities
warning about potential chemical and nuclear attacks.

CHEMICMAL ATTACK SAFETY

GUIDELINES
Signs of chemical attack may include suspicious smoke, gasses or droplets in the
air, trouble breathing or mild respiratory irritation. If you or other people around you
have these symptoms, do not hesitate to ACT:
RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

1 If you are indoors, close all windows, natural ventilation and air conditioning
inlets. If possible, hide in rooms with no windows.

2 Cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth whenever going outside.
3 Leave the contaminated area immediately, stay in the crosswinds (with wind
blowing from the side).

4 Help other but do not go back into contaminated area.

5 Get rid of your clothes, wash your body with soap and water.
6 Wait for help and follow the instructions of authorities. Do not go to hospital or
home without permission.

NUCLEAR ATTACK SAFETY

GUIDELINES
1 If you are outdoors when the strike hits, hide behind anything that can shelter
you as quickly as possible once you hear the blast.

2 Go to the nearest building. It is best to hide in concrete block or brick house.

3 Close the windows, do not ventilate rooms, do not use air conditioner.
4 When inside, proceed to basement. If there is no basement, stay away from top
floors and outside walls.

5 Follow the same instructions as in the case of chemical attack: get rid of
clothes, wash your body with soap and water.

6 Stay inside for at least 24 hours. Follow the radio announcements if communica-
tion networks are down.

7 Use only packages food, do not smoke, do not use water from open reservoirs.

[ First couple of hours after the chemical attack or radioactive

contamination are the most critical. If you can, remain indoors!

18
[
TEST
TAKE THIS TEST TO CHECK WHETHER YOU ARE PREPARED FOR A
CRISIS SITUATION
I have located the items for the survival kit/bag

I have written down the phone numbers and addresses of my family

members

RESIDENT ACTIONS IN CASE OF WAR

I have discussed the actions to be taken in case of crisis with my family

I have checked my medication reserves and their expiration dates

I have stocked up on food and water for 72 hours

Children in my household recognize uniforms of soldiers, State Fire and

Rescue Service, border-guards and police officers and know they can ask
the responsible government agencies for help

I have found out whether my neighbours might need help in case of crisis

I know how to disconnect water, gas and electricity supply at home.

PEOPLE TO CONTACT IN CASE OF CRISIS

19