Short answer. In Israel each person chooses a protected space in advance, in an official order: first an apartment, floor or institutional protected space (mamad, mamak, mamam), then a shared or public shelter, then an internal stairwell, then an internal room 13. A public shelter counts only if you can reach it within the warning time 1. In early 2019 there were 12,601 public shelters, about 20% unfit for use 2.
What kinds of shelter exist in Israel?
Israel combines three layers of protection: a network of public shelters built in residential areas, shared private shelters in apartment buildings, and in-home protected rooms known as mamad 12. The official priority order also names floor protected spaces (mamak), which serve up to four apartments, and institutional protected spaces (mamam) 12.
In what order should I choose a protected space?
The Home Front Command sets this priority order 13:
| Priority | Protected space |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apartment, floor or institutional protected space (mamad / mamak / mamam) |
| 2 | Shared or public shelter |
| 3 | Internal stairwell with no outside walls, windows or openings, with at least two floors above you; in a three-storey building, the middle floor |
| 4 | Internal room with as few outside walls, windows and openings as possible, not a kitchen, shower or toilet |
You choose your option before any alert, according to this order and to the time available to reach it 1. The time available depends on your alert zone: see alerts.
How do I find a public shelter?
Public shelters are managed by your local authority, which you can reach on 106 12. The official rule is practical: a public shelter is only a valid choice if you can get there within the protection time for your area 1. If you cannot, the next option in the priority order applies, such as an internal stairwell 1.
How many public shelters are there, and are they all usable?
According to the State Comptroller, Israel had 12,601 public shelters at the start of 2019, of which 2,494 (about 20%) were not fit for use 2. The same 2020 report found that about 2.6 million residents (28%) had no standard protection near their place of residence 2. These are the latest official figures in the sources used for this page; check with your local authority for the state of shelters near you.
Who is responsible for shelters?
The Home Front Command sets the standards and keeps the shelter database 12. Local authorities manage public shelters and supervise shared private shelters in apartment buildings 2. Owners of apartment buildings must maintain their shared shelters, and the local authority can enforce this 2. The rules for new buildings are on the building a shelter page.
How should I prepare my protected space?
The Home Front Command flyer asks families to make sure the protected space is ready and to consider moving children's beds into it 1. After an alert, you stay inside for 10 minutes 1. For questions about ventilation and time spent sheltering, see our guides on shelter ventilation and on sheltering in place or evacuating.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mamad?
A mamad is an apartment protected space: a protected room inside the home. It is the first choice in the Home Front Command priority order 1. New residential buildings must include one, or a floor protected space 2.
Can I use a stairwell instead of a shelter?
Yes, if no protected space or reachable shelter is available. The stairwell should be internal, with no outside walls, windows or openings, and have at least two floors above you; in a three-storey building, use the middle floor 1.
Which room should I use if there is no protected space?
An internal room with as few outside walls, windows and openings as possible. The Home Front Command excludes the kitchen, shower and toilet 1.
What if the public shelter near me is locked or unusable?
Contact your local authority on 106, since it manages public shelters 12. In the meantime, plan for the next option in the priority order 1.
Sources
- Home Front Command (פיקוד העורף) / National Emergency Portal, hosted on gov.il — משפחה מוכנה היא משפחה בטוחה – ציוד לחירום; הנחיות מצילות חיים בעת ירי רקטות וטילים — https://govextra.gov.il/media/utja2pbm/%D7%A2%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%97%D7%99%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%9D.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- State Comptroller of Israel (מבקר המדינה) — ההיערכות להגנת העורף מפני איום טילים ורקטות (מיגון פיזי, התרעה ופינוי אוכלוסייה) - ביקורת מעקב (דוח שנתי 70ג, 2020) — https://library.mevaker.gov.il/sites/DigitalLibrary/Documents/2020/70c/2020-70c-101-Oref.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Home Front Command (copy hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria) — My family's preparations in case of missile strikes — https://mfa.bg/upload/45281/Home_Front_Command_Preparedness_Information%20(1).pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
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Sources
- Home Front Command (פיקוד העורף) / National Emergency Portal, hosted on gov.il · משפחה מוכנה היא משפחה בטוחה – ציוד לחירום; הנחיות מצילות חיים בעת ירי רקטות וטילים checked 2026-10-20
- State Comptroller of Israel (מבקר המדינה) · ההיערכות להגנת העורף מפני איום טילים ורקטות (מיגון פיזי, התרעה ופינוי אוכלוסייה) - ביקורת מעקב (דוח שנתי 70ג, 2020) checked 2026-10-20
- Home Front Command (copy hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria) · My family's preparations in case of missile strikes checked 2026-10-20