The Government has launched a text messaging system to provide accurate and timely information to citizens by sending a test SMS to all mobile phone users in Cyprus, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou has said in a statement regarding the adoption of preventive self-protection measures.
“Given the ongoing chaotic situation in the region and for the purposes of prevention and appropriate preparation of the population,” it is recommended that citizens remain vigilant, so that in case it becomes necessary to take the recommended self-protection measures, the Interior Minister pointed out.
Specifically, as he said, “in the event of receiving a text message on their mobile phones, citizens are asked to remain calm and follow the instructions.”
The instructions provide, among other things, that in case there is a basement in their house, in a neighbouring building or in the area where they are located, citizens are asked to immediately and calmly head towards it on foot, he noted.
If they are indoors without a basement, they are asked to remain inside the building, away from doors, glass and windows, he said, adding that if they are outdoors, they are asked to move to the nearest indoor space.
In infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and stadiums, the protocol of actions is applied by the competent personnel, said Ioannou, pointing out that citizens are asked to avoid traveling by vehicle to these areas.
“Until further instructions are given by the competent authorities, citizens are asked to remain in underground or indoor spaces and avoid traveling to outdoor areas, either on foot or by vehicle,” he stressed.
Furthermore, the Minister of Interior said that "the Government, in collaboration with all telecommunications providers in Cyprus, is putting into operation from today (Wednesay, 4 March) a messaging system for valid and timely information of citizens, so that, when a potential security incident is investigated, they take the necessary measures indicated by the Civil Defense in such cases".
Finally, Ioannou noted that at around 7pm on Wednesday, 4 MArch, a test of this new service, which is being introduced as a security and information measure for citizens by the Government, would be carried out, by sending a test message to all mobile telephony users in Cyprus.
Meanwhile, an inspection of all shelters is underway and will be completed within two-three days, competent sources said on Wednesday.
The competent sources also said that teams have been sent to all shelters, which number 2,500, since Tuesday, 3 March, with the aim of inspecting and repairing those that need repairs. The inspection of all shelters will be carried out in the next two-three days, they pointed out.
(Source: CNA)
