Skyddsplatser

Skyddsplatser are designated safe spaces inside buildings or public areas intended to provide protection for people during emergencies. They are meant to reduce exposure to immediate hazards such as blast effects, smoke, heat, or chemical and radiological risks, and to buy time until danger passes or help arrives. They are not the same as full-scale bomb shelters, but are practical safe spaces within existing structures.

You can find skyddsplatser in schools, workplaces, apartment buildings, and other public venues, as well as in large facilities and transit hubs. They should be easy to reach, clearly signposted, and kept ready for use during an alarm. Typical features may include reinforced sections of a building, secure doors, robust ventilation, enough space for occupants, and basic emergency supplies or communication options. The level of protection and equipment varies depending on the building and planned risk scenarios.

In Sweden, protective spaces are part of civil protection planning. Responsibility for designating and maintaining these spaces lies with property owners and municipalities, guided by national authorities such as MSB (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap) and building regulation bodies like Boverket. Regulations require risk assessments, designation of suitable protective spaces, and ensuring signage, accessibility, and upkeep. In an emergency, occupants should follow official instructions, move to the nearest protected space, close doors, stay low, and await further guidance.

Limitations: skyddsplatser provide safety for specific hazards and are not guaranteed to protect against all threats or to serve as long-term shelter.