IDF instructions for civilians in rocket range

Firing of rockets at Israeli communities surrounding Gaza expected to continue over next few days.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
kassam shock ashkelon good 248 88 (photo credit: AP)
kassam shock ashkelon good 248 88
(photo credit: AP)
The firing of rockets at Israeli communities surrounding the Gaza Strip is expected to continue over the next few days, and may expand in range, the IDF Home Command said on Sunday. Therefore, residents are requested to follow directions for preparing a protected room and act in accordance with the instructions at the sound of an alarm, an explosion, or a "Color Red" alert.
  • Residents who live adjacent to the Gaza security fence are asked to remain within shelters on Monday, in close proximity to protected areas and are requested not to assemble in groups. All schools and commercial centers will remain closed, with the exception of vital services, such as medical centers and grocery stores. Public transit will operate on a limited schedule.
  • Other residents who live within 10 km. of the Gaza security fence are directed to ensure that they are no more than 15 seconds from a protected area. Public gatherings in this area are forbidden.
  • Residents of towns within 10 to 20 km. of Gaza must be able to enter sheltered areas within 30 seconds. This area includes Ashkelon, Netivot and the surrounding towns. In these towns, gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed, to be held only under reinforced ceilings. Commercial activity will only be allowed to take place in reinforced buildings.
  • Residents of towns between 20 and 30 km. from Gaza must be able to enter sheltered areas within 45 seconds, and gatherings of up to 500 people are allowed, to be held only under reinforced ceilings. This area includes Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi, Ofakim, Rahat and the surrounding towns. Educational activity will take place in reinforced buildings only. Commercial activity will only be allowed to take place in reinforced buildings.
  • The Home Front Command has advised the local authorities to open the public shelters. Entrance to the shelters is advised only if they are reachable within the aforementioned time frames. Gatherings near rocket attack sites should be avoided. Unidentified objects and rockets should not be approached. In such instances the police should be notified. Adhering to these guidelines and entering sheltered rooms saves lives. Additional information can be obtained via the Home Front Command's hot line, 1207, and Web site: www.oref.org.il.