On March 1, 2024, a new national standard took effect guiding the design and use of underground spaces intended to shelter the population. The rule applies to spaces like parking lots in shopping centers, new stations, and subway tunnels, and it aims to set clear safety requirements for such facilities. This update was reported by RIA Novosti.
The core structures of these underground facilities must be constructed with fireproof materials to withstand extreme conditions and protect occupants during emergencies.
The standard, approved by Rosstandart, bears the name “Civil Defense. Adaptation of Buried Chambers for Housing the Population. General Requirements.” It was developed by the All-Russian Research Institute of Civil Defense and Emergency Situations, and it outlines the framework for converting buried spaces into safe housing during critical events.
Officials stress selecting buildings that are regularly used by people, such as homes, offices, and shopping centers, for potential protection purposes. When repurposing such facilities, planners should account for their primary function in peacetime and how they might serve economic needs or public services during emergencies. The emphasis remains on ensuring that main structural elements stay fireproof and robust under stress.
The standard extends beyond structure to life-support systems inside shelters. It specifies requirements for engineering networks like ventilation, water supply, sewage disposal, and reliable electricity. It also sets guidance on the minimum space allocated per protected person and the expected duration of stay, which is capped at about 12 hours to balance safety and practicality.
Location is a critical consideration. Buried shelters must be placed so they are shielded from flood risks caused by storms, river or groundwater, and from potential spills and leaks in damaged tanks or pipelines.
Implementation of the shelters will be managed by the authorities at the regional and local levels, ensuring oversight and coordinated action across municipalities and constituent regions.
The standard introduces new perspectives on public protection for groups not directly affiliated with civil defense services. It also accounts for evolving methods of evacuating people who remain in their permanent residences, aiming to improve overall safety in crisis scenarios. By adopting these measures, communities can expect a heightened level of protection against the collapse of building structures during disasters.
In related developments, recent discussions note a growing interest in inventorying and planning for shelter options in various countries. Some regions report formal inventories and planning steps for emergency protection facilities, illustrating a broader trend toward resilient infrastructure that can support populations during severe events.
These shifts reflect a broader understanding of shelter readiness and public safety that crosses national borders. As governments consider lessons learned from past emergencies, the emphasis remains on fast, effective protection, reliable life-support networks, and clear guidance for evacuation and sheltering strategies that can be implemented quickly when crises arise.
Overall, the new standard marks a comprehensive step toward safeguarding the public by formalizing how underground spaces can be prepared and maintained for housing during emergencies. It aligns structural safety with essential utilities, occupancy planning, and strategic siting, contributing to a more resilient approach to civil protection across communities.