A protected space that is not properly maintained may not function when you need it most. The Home Front Command provides detailed maintenance guidelines for MAMADs, communal shelters, and inner spaces.

MAMAD (Residential Protected Room) Readiness

Upon an alert: enter the MAMAD, shut the door, and lock it by turning the handle 90 degrees upward. Ensure the window is shut.

Door checks:

• Opens and closes easily
• Handle turns upward a full 90 degrees
• No light penetrating through the closed door
• Rubber seals are in place and have not dried out
• Dismantling or altering the blast-proof door is prohibited
• If the door was removed, return it as soon as possible
• Do not dismantle the door handle — this is dangerous and impairs the door’s function

Window checks:

• Both the external steel window and internal glass window must close and lock properly
• If the glass window is the double-wing type: remove the wings and place them outside the protected space
• If the steel window does not close smoothly: dust the window’s track and pocket

Wall preparation:

• Remove breakable objects such as mirrors and picture frames
• Secure cupboards and shelves to internal walls using screw anchors
• Remove heavy objects from shelves

Air vent:

• Close the steel cap using the 4 screws (close only during an emergency)

Communal Shelter Readiness

Before an emergency:

• Verify the blast door and emergency exits open and close properly
• Remove all non-emergency equipment from the shelter
• Remove heavy or dangerous objects from walls (shelves, mirrors)
• Clear access routes and emergency exits of obstacles
• Hang a sign near the entrance with the names and phone numbers of key holders
• Mark all openings (doors, windows, pipes) with a bright colored stripe
• Post signs: “Entrance door,” “Exit door,” and “Emergency exit”
• No flammable or toxic materials may be stored near the shelter
• Gas tanks must be at least 3 meters from shelter entrances
• Sanitation facilities must be accessible and unlocked
• Verify water supply to faucets, sinks, showers, and toilets
• Emergency lighting must be in working order
• Internal and external emergency ladders must be present

During an alert:

• Lock the door by turning the handle 90 degrees
• Close the escape opening (window) by turning its handle 90 degrees
• Close the ventilation opening
• If a ventilation/air filtration system exists: operate it in ventilation mode
• If air conditioning exists: you may switch it on

Shelter Maintenance Rules

Shelters must be maintained to allow use at all times. They must be kept clean and free of non-emergency equipment.

• Shelters may not be used as storage
• If dual-purpose use has been approved (community center, synagogue, etc.), non-emergency equipment must not occupy more than 20% of the shelter space, or it must be removable within 4 hours of an HFC or local authority directive
• No flammable, dangerous, or poisonous items
• The vent cover must remain in place (closed only during an emergency)
• Flooring is permitted if the material complies with Israeli Standard 507
• No glass or ceramic items that could shatter
• After every visit, ventilate the shelter and leave some vents open

Dual-purpose use (cultural events, sports, children’s activities, clubs, reading rooms, etc.) requires consent from a majority of tenants, local authority approval, and HFC approval.

Legal Responsibility

Under the Civil Defense Law and Land Law, responsibility for shelter maintenance lies with apartment owners through their house committee.

• If no house committee exists, tenants may contact the Land Registry Inspector to appoint an external manager
• The local authority has supervisory and enforcement powers
• If owners refuse to contribute to maintenance costs, the house committee may take legal action or contact the Land Registry Inspector
• If the house committee fails to act, the local authority may order owners to carry out work within a specified period. If they do not comply, the local authority may do the work and collect expenses like property taxes.
• Taking over a shelter for private use is prohibited. The house committee or local authority can demand evacuation with 15 days’ written notice.
• Failure to maintain a shelter is a criminal offense under Section 24 of the Civil Defense Law: up to 3 months’ incarceration or a fine under normal conditions, and up to 1 year during a critical home front situation.

Inner Space Preparation (if no MAMAD or shelter)

If you do not have access to a MAMAD, MAMAK, MAMAM, or shelter, you may designate an inner space in your home. Prepare it as follows:

• Choose a space surrounded by as many walls as possible, with few windows and openings
• You may use an inner hallway; close all doors and windows
• Sit close to an inner wall, below the window line, and not in front of the door
• Do not choose a kitchen, bathroom, or toilet
• Remove ceramic, porcelain, glass, and other fragile items
• Secure cabinets and shelves to inner walls with dowels
• Remove heavy objects from shelves
• No flammable or toxic materials in or near the inner space