"Completely Blocking the Light..." What Happens When the Actual Alarm Sounds? 'Focus of Attention'

Evacuation from Children and Elderly
Block Lights and Move During Air Raids
Know Nearby Shelter Locations at Home

On the 31st, controversy arose after the Seoul Metropolitan Government mistakenly sent an alert text message regarding North Korea's space launch vehicle launch. Attention is now focused on how to act during an actual alert or air raid situation.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety's National Disaster Safety Portal provides guidance on crisis situation procedures through the 'Civil Defense Alert (Alert/Air Raid) Citizen Action Guidelines.' According to the page, when an actual alert is issued, all administrative agencies prepare for emergency duty and strengthen vigilance. Each police station implements safety protection for residents and traffic control.

On the morning of the 31st, when North Korea launched a space launch vehicle, Seoul City sent an emergency disaster alert warning (left). Seoul City then sent another message at 6:41 a.m. stating that the warning issued was a false alarm. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Civilians are to prepare for immediate evacuation, with children and the elderly evacuating in advance. These action guidelines are identical to the alert message content previously sent by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Before evacuating, flammable liquids and gas posing fire risks should be moved to a safe place, and electric heater cords must be unplugged. Personal protective equipment such as gas masks and alternative equipment should be checked in advance.

When moving, all indoor and outdoor lights must be turned off. Especially in places where operation suspension is unavoidable, such as emergency patient rooms or critical industrial facilities, light must be completely blocked with blackout curtains or similar to prevent light from leaking outside. Vehicles should also reduce their lights and drive slowly during evacuation.

If radioactive materials are leaked, actions must follow the guidance of the Central Radiation Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters. When going outside, wearing a mask is mandatory, and carrying an umbrella or raincoat to avoid skin exposure to rain is important.

Since radiation cannot be detected by human senses, one must never act based on personal judgment. Government announcements via radio, TV, etc., must be followed.

It is also advisable to identify nearby shelters in advance. The government has already established public designated underground shelters to protect residents' lives and property in the event of a civil defense situation. Shelter information can be directly searched in the shelter section of the Public Disaster Safety Portal.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.