The tasks listed are relevant to all types of rooms or secure spaces (room, Residential Secure Space–MAMAD and Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK) unless otherwise noted.
1. It is important to ensure that the size of the room is suitable for the number of planned occupants and that there are enough places for sitting and sleeping. The Residential Secure Space–MAMAD needs to have at least 5 sq.m. of available floor space. If equipment is stored in the secure space or room, it is important to make sure that, it is possible to disassemble and remove closets or other fixed furnishings, as events may require. If at all possible, it is recommended to put in extra beds (folding cots, etc.) to serve household members in the event of an extended stay.
2. Securing objects: It is important to secure objects in the secure space or room (similar to what should be done in the home as part of preparing the home, though more stringently if at all possible):
√ Bookcases and shelves must be secured to the walls. If at all possible, avoid installing shelving in the secure space or room.
√ Use hooks to hang objects such as lighting fixtures, plants and pictures. Try to keep the walls and ceiling clear of these to the extent possible.
√ Lock closet doors to prevent objects from falling out (in particular glass).
√ Prevent the movement of heavy objects in the room (washing machine, refrigerator) by locking the casters. If at all possible, avoid placing heavy appliances in the secure space or room.
√ Do not place heavy or fragile items high up (on shelves, in bookcases, etc.). In general, make sure to keep heavy objects close to the floor.
√ Ensure that lighting fixtures are in good working order, and that they are stable and secured to the ceiling or the wall.
√ Ensure that other appliances and fixtures (e.g., electrical sockets, various lids and covers, etc.) are stable and secured to the wall.
√ Locate other hazards in the secure space or room and neutralize them.
3. Make sure to install means of communication in the room so that you can received directions from the authorities in a state of emergency. In addition to a radio that should be placed in your emergency bag , it is also a good idea to have TV or interest hookup. Installing a home telephone (landline, not a cellular device) in the secure space or room is imperative!
4. The family emergency supplies must be stored in the secure space or room in the home.
5. The room needs to remain open (in particular the Residential Secure Space–MAMAD and Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK) and to air it out from time to time.
6. Check access to the secure space or room. Make sure that all routes to it are free of hazards, moving objects (on wheels or casters, etc.) that might block access, and flammables.
7. Check for intactness and for sealing option (all existing walls, doors and windows in the secure space or room):
√ In the room:
a. Check that there are no holes that penetrate the entire thickness of the wall (or almost the entire thickness), including holes intended for cables, run-off, and AC.
b. Make sure that it easy to close and open the door and window, even for children and the elderly.
c. Make sure that the door can be completely closed. Make sure that the door is intact in its entirety, and that the doorposts and lintel are similarly intact. Get rid of furnishings and objects that prevent the complete closing of the door.
d. Make sure that the window can be completely closed. Make sure that the window opens easily in its tracks and completely fills the window frame.
e. If there are shutters or blinds on the window, make sure ahead of time that these are in good working order and can easily be closed.
f. Make sure to fix any flaw in the room today!
√ In the Residential Secure Space–MAMAD and Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK:
a. Check that there are no holes that penetrate the entire thickness of the wall (or almost the entire thickness), including holes intended for cables, run-off, and AC.
b. Make sure that it easy to close and open the door and window, even for children and the elderly.
c. Make sure that all hinges and tracks are well-oiled or greased. Oil as needed.
d. Make sure that the door can be completely closed. Note: The door of the Residential Secure Space–MAMAD is sealed only by an additional turn of the handle and by locking the door (swing it completely into the doorframe).
e. In older-model doors, ensure the intactness of the “disintegrating threshold” at the bottom of the door and its sealing.
f. Make sure that it is possible easily and quickly to take apart the internal wooden doors attached to the steel doors (during an emergency, the wooden doors need to be removed and stored outside the Residential Secure Room–MAMAD).
g. In case of a malfunction of the window or door, contact the manufacturer for repairs.
h. Air vents (in case the Residential Secure Space–MAMAD / Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK is not equipped with an air flow and filter system): Make sure that there are at least 4 suitable screws as well as a suitable wrench and a sealed steel cover for closing the vent.
8. Additional steps for the Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK only:
√ Make sure that the Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK is free of debris, dirt and items not in use.
√ Make sure that the space is pest- and insect-free. Control pests and insects as needed.
√ Make sure that there is a chemical toilet in good working order, and a suitable partition.
As a rule, note: When the space you have chosen is a Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK, the task of preparing the space may become more complex. Do not postpone thinking about access to the Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK, about the emergency supplies bag and where to store it, etc. Do it now!
It bears repeating: The tasks listed above are relevant to all types of secure rooms or spaces (room, Residential Secure Space–MAMAD and Story-wide Secure Space–MAMAK) unless otherwise noted. It is a very good idea to go through and complete the checklist once every three months.
As you complete your preparation, it is important to make sure that family members know the secure space or room. Take advantage of a family talk to define, learn and even mark the Residential Secure Space–MAMAD or private shelter, or to choose, define and mark the secure room. Continue the conversation only after every member of the family knows the secure space or room in the home and its access routes.
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