Guidelines developed for organizations on how to act in the event of early warning notifications 

To help civil society organizations respond to security threat situations, the Civic Alliance – Latvia, in consultation with the State Fire and Rescue Service and other civil society organizations, has developed guidelines for action during early warning or cell broadcast notifications. These provide practical algorithms and recommendations on how organizations should prepare for and respond to airspace threats or other emergency situations. 

“The main principle of the guidelines is simple: human life, health, and safety must always take priority over the continuation of an event, project results, or contractual obligations,” says Kristīne Zonberga, Director of the Civic Alliance – Latvia. 

Organizations are advised to identify responsible persons in advance, carry out a security risk assessment, prepare a safety plan, and identify the nearest safe rooms, shelters, and evacuation routes. 

The guidelines also include practical tools for everyday use, such as a security risk assessment checklist, a template for a minimum safety plan, descriptions of the responsibilities of designated persons, a situation documentation form for funders, and communication examples for informing participants. 

The document explains what actions should be taken in different situations — before an event, while traveling to an event, and during the event itself. A yellow notification indicates increased readiness and the need to monitor the situation, while an orange notification requires immediate action — suspending the event and moving people to a safe location in accordance with the instructions of the responsible authorities. 

Special attention is given to events involving children, seniors, and persons with disabilities, as well as activities in border areas and territories where there is an elevated risk of airspace threats. The guidelines also provide pre-prepared communication with participants, the availability of contact information for emergencies, and, where necessary, the preparation of an emergency safety kit. 

The aim of the guidelines is to strengthen the preparedness of civil society organizations for crisis situations, ensure a unified and well-considered response in the event of early warning notifications, and support timely decision-making to protect event participants, staff, and volunteers. 

The guidelines are available here.

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