Infants 0–3 and Air Raid Sirens: Safety Rules and Support

Ensuring an infant's safety during an air raid siren is the top priority for parents in Israel. When the warning signal sounds, your actions must be precise, calm, and practiced until they become automatic. In this article, we have compiled recommendations from the Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) and the Ministry of Health to help parents and nannies provide protection for the baby, minimize stress, and properly organize space in an emergency situation.

This material is intended for families with children from birth to 3 years old, as well as nannies working for Israeli families. Remember that knowing safety rules and following official guidelines is the key factor in survival.

Who is this for and in what situations

This article will be useful in the following scenarios:

• Parents of infants: How to prepare your home and yourself to act during a threat.
• Nannies: Which instructions to discuss with your employer before starting work.
• New Immigrants (Olim): How to adapt to the safety regulations implemented in Israel.
• Families in various regions: Understanding the importance of knowing your local time to reach shelter.

What to prepare in advance

Preparation is the foundation of calmness. When the siren sounds, there is no time to think, so everything must be planned beforehand:

• Route to the shelter: Check how long it takes to get from the bedroom or kitchen to the MAMAD (protected room) or the nearest stairwell. Remove any obstacles that could cause you to trip in the dark.
• Emergency baby bag: Prepare a bag that is always kept in your protected area. It should contain: diapers, wet wipes, extra clothes, formula or a bottle of water, a favorite comfort toy, and a pacifier.
• Hygiene and medical supplies: If your child takes regular medication, it must be accessible inside the MAMAD.
• Comfort in the MAMAD: If possible, set up a nursing and sleeping area for the baby in the protected room. This helps the child perceive the room as a calm space rather than a threatening one.

What to do during an alert

The most important rule is to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref). The time allowed to reach shelter depends on your location in Israel. Always check the current time through the official "Home Front Command" app or on the gov.il website.

• At home: Upon receiving an alert, immediately move to the MAMAD (protected room) or miklat (communal shelter). If there is no MAMAD in your apartment, shelter in an interior room with the fewest windows and external walls.
• Outdoors: If you are out with a stroller, find the nearest protected building as quickly as possible. If it is impossible to enter a building, lie on the ground and protect your head with your hands.
• In a car: Stop on the shoulder in a safe place, exit the vehicle, and take cover in the nearest protected space. If that is not possible, move away from the car, lie on the ground, and cover your head with your hands.
• Duration: Remain in the shelter for at least 10 minutes (or until receiving official permission to leave via the media, app, or HFC notifications).

What to do after an alert

Once the danger has passed, it is important to return the child to their regular routine. Babies are very sensitive to the state of adults. If you are calm, the likelihood that the child will perceive the situation as "just a loud noise" or "part of a game" is much higher. Continue with your daily activities and speak to the child in a calm, confident voice.

How to speak calmly and clearly

Children under the age of 3 do not yet understand the concept of war, but they are excellent at picking up on parental emotions. Ministry of Health recommendations include:

• Do not panic: The child sees your condition. Try to breathe deeply and move smoothly.
• Use play: If the baby is scared, suggest "hiding in a little house" together or playing a quiet game in the protected room.
• Be honest but simple: If the child asks about the noise, answer briefly: "That is a loud noise; we are going to a safe place to play until it is finished."
• Limit information: Do not watch the news in front of the child. A constant stream of alarming messages increases stress in adults, which is inevitably transmitted to the baby.

Practical Checklist

1. Install the official Home Front Command app on your phone.
2. Check that the MAMAD door closes easily and without effort.
3. Assemble an "emergency kit" for the baby (diapers, food).
4. Define a clear destination where you will go in case of an alert.
5. Discuss the action plan with your nanny or grandmother if they are staying with the child.
6. Keep your phone charged and within reach.
7. Have a flashlight or nightlight with you in case the siren catches you at night.
8. If the child is older, explain to them in advance what to do without going into unnecessary detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the siren catches me in the bathroom or shower?

Do not waste time getting dressed. Immediately head to the protected space, wrapped in a towel. Safety is more important than temporary discomfort.

Can I leave the child alone in a room?

Under no circumstances. According to safety guidelines, a child must always be under the supervision of an adult who can quickly move them to a protected space.

What if I am alone with multiple children?

Practice the routine in advance: who carries the infant, who holds the older child's hand. Do not try to gather all your belongings — your task is to reach a protected space as quickly as possible.

When should I seek psychological help?

If you or your child show signs of prolonged stress (sleep or appetite disturbances, apathy, constant crying), seek professional consultation through your HMO (Kupat Holim) or the Ministry of Health hotlines.

Important

• Safety instructions and shelter times may change. Always check current data in the Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) app and on the official gov.il portal.
• This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor or psychologist.
• In case of severe stress symptoms, do not attempt to self-medicate; seek qualified help at state psychological support centers.

At EzraHome, we understand how important trust is when choosing a helper for your family. If you need an experienced nanny who has been trained in safety procedures during an alert and is ready to provide professional care for your infant, submit an application on our website. We will help you find a specialist with whom you and your child will feel safe in any circumstances.