Latvia's legislative body, Saeima, has approved a regulation for bomb shelters nationwide.
In a bid to strengthen the nation's disaster response, the Latvian government has proposed a series of amendments to the Civil Protection and Disaster Management Act. These changes aim to improve the safety and readiness of shelters across the country.
The draft law outlines the responsibilities of local governments in keeping records of shelters available in their respective areas. It also specifies the list of civil protection signs and their placement requirements.
In properties that do not meet the specified requirements, the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) regulations allow for the construction of third-category shelters. Guidelines for building these shelters have already been developed in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior. Third-category shelters are designed to reduce the impact of blast waves and flying debris.
The new amendments stipulate that first-category shelters must be built in new A and B category critical infrastructure facilities where personnel are present daily. These shelters offer the highest level of protection against explosions, shock waves, chemical warfare agents, ionising radiation, and radioactive dust.
Second-category shelters, suitable for protection against blast waves and flying debris, are to be built in new multi-storey residential buildings with more than five above-ground floors, public buildings, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other buildings with a high concentration of people by 2027.
The draft law requires the Cabinet of Ministers to determine the procedure for recognising an adapted building or part thereof as a shelter. It also mandates the establishment of a procedure for inspecting shelters.
Local governments will be able to set out in their binding rules when they'll help out with setting up shelters. Building owners will be responsible for maintaining the shelters.
As part of the survey conducted by the VUGD, more than 4,710 objects throughout Latvia have been assessed. According to the VUGD, 394 objects in Latvia meet the shelter requirements, while 1,200 partially meet these requirements.
The exact authority responsible for determining the procedure for recognising a converted building or part of a building as a shelter, overseeing shelters, and managing the list of civil protection signs and their installation requirements is not specified in the available search results. However, this institution typically falls under the Ministry of Interior or a specialized civil defense department.
These amendments aim to enhance the safety and preparedness of Latvia's citizens in the face of potential disasters, ensuring a more secure future for all.
