Stay prepared and stay safe. Peaceful times are just around the corner, friends.
Dear fellow international students, we're praying that you all are safe and well prepared for any unforeseen emergencies in these challenging times. All of us who have lived here for some time, we know that Israel is a safe place. It is a place where people are looking out for each other. It is a place where people mobilize, volunteer and know what to do in tense situations. We are all in safe company. The best we can do, is ensure our preparedness, cooperate with people who are in charge and keep our spirits about us. Here are some ready tips for emergency preparedness during these challenging times:
Stay Informed: Join your university chat groups, get your news from reliable sources and download Home Front Command App to get timely alerts.
Emergency Plans: Identify and know the location of nearby bomb shelters or protected areas. When you hear a siren, rush to the nearest safe space. You may have between 15 seconds to 3 minutes to do so, and stay there for at least 10 minutes.
Emergency Supplies: Prepare an emergency kit that includes essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and any necessary medications.
Travel Safety: Minimize travel during times of heightened conflict. If you must travel, inform someone of your plans and expected arrival time.
Stay Calm, Cooperate and Follow Instructions for safety: In times of crisis, it's important to remain calm and follow official guidance. Panic can lead to poor decision-making. Comply with any evacuation orders, curfews, or security directives issued by authorities.
International Assistance: In case of emergencies, contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance and support.
If you have received concerned texts and calls from friends and family back home, make sure to respond to them as they might be very worried. Whatever happens, don't hesitate to seek help and assistance from people around you. Especially, when in doubt, ask someone. Finally, it will all be better soon and we shall all achieve everything that we set out for when we started studying in Israel.