States of Emergency

The Municipality routinely prepares for a variety of emergency scenarios, based on the instructions issued by the national emergency authorities. Municipal preparations are necessary in order to respond to various scenarios. The Municipality regularly trains and drills its different departments for these situations, with the aim being to streamline the assistance provision process and to act quickly in line with the type of scenario.

Emergency scenarios in normal times

Emergency scenarios in normal times are scenarios that are not the result of a general state of emergency, but still require special action by the Security and Emergency Services Division at the Municipality. Events of this type include:
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Multi-casualty accidents
  • Hazardous materials incidents

War-related scenarios

Should Israel be involved in a military conflict with another country, the Security and Emergency Services Division will act according to the instructions issued by the Home Front Command and according to the emergency preparedness plan that is in place. In the event of a war, conventional and unconventional missiles are expected to be fired at Tel Aviv-Yafo. If a state of emergency is declared by the Home Front Command during a war, all municipal departments enlist in order to respond to these scenarios and, in particular, to extend assistance to residents.

Weather-related events and natural disasters

These states of emergency can derive from extreme climate changes, extensive weather-related damages or natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and fires.

Earthquakes

In the event of an earthquake or other natural disaster that causes widespread damage, it will be necessary to prepare sites that can provide services to the population in a single location. These sites are called Population Assistance Sites (PAS).


A PAS, which will provide food, services and information to the affected population, is usually established in an open space (city square, park, etc.) close to the devastated area.
Each PAS will distribute food and basic personal needs, provide information, recruit volunteers, and serve as a first aid clinic, water distribution site, etc.

Epidemics

This pertains to the outbreak and spread of epidemics such as avian flu, anthrax or smallpox. Should this occur, the Municipality will open public vaccination sites.

Water supply crisis

A water crisis occurs when there is no regular supply of potable water throughout the city or in parts of it for a certain amount of time.
The Municipality recommends that the public have an "iron ration" of bottled water should the water supplied through the municipal system be interrupted.

In the event of a water crisis (localized or citywide), the Municipality will open a network of distribution sites where water will be supplied to the public. These sites will be equipped with tankers, faucets and receptacles and water will be supplied to the public in plastic containers (containing 4 liters of water each) by the Municipality. Furthermore, the public will be asked to bring their own containers which can be filled with water for household use.

Residents will be notified about the location of the water distribution sites in their area of residence.

Search and rescue teams

If a strong earthquake occurs, the estimate is that the damages, including property damages, will be extensive and that there will be many casualties in a number of devasted locations. If possible, the Municipality will assist in rescuing people who are trapped and save lives.
Accordingly, the Municipality has set up several search and rescue teams, whose task will be to rescue trapped people and put out fires. These teams will engage in light rescue tasks and assist the search and rescue forces, thereby saving a maximum number of trapped people during the "Golden 48 Hours" (the first two days after an earthquake occurs).
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