Solutions from Ukraine: new modern shelter built in Ukrainka, Kyiv region, to transform lyceum into safe haven
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko - head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
A new, modern dual-purpose shelter was recently built in Ukrainka, located in the Kyiv region. It was set up within the premises of the Academic Lyceum No. 2.
Ruslan Kravchenko, head of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, announced this on Facebook.
What is the problem?
As you know, the safest place is a bomb shelter, but today, there are almost no schools with such facilities in Ukraine, according to Lt. Col. of the Civil Defense Service Andriy Savchuk at the DECIDE project webinar.
He said that some schools could be equipped with anti-radiation shelters and storage facilities during construction, particularly in regions with nuclear plants or chemical plants nearby. However, there are not many of them.
Usually, we are discussing more basic shelters or structures that serve multiple purposes. However, a lot of them were not adequately set up and equipped.
In addition, it should be noted that from November 1, 2023, new construction regulations for the construction of civil defense protective structures came into force.
What is the solution?
In the city of Ukrainka, Kyiv region, another modern dual-purpose shelter was built, which was arranged on the territory of the Academic Lyceum No. 2.
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko – head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
How does it work?
As they say, the total area of the shelter is 667 square meters, designed for 782 people.
"This is the second object of such complexity of construction in Ukrainka. The warehouse was built for eight months. The work was financed from the city budget. The shelter is a separate basement-type building. It has a dual purpose," Kravchenko emphasized.
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko – head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko – head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
In particular, as the head of the regional state administration emphasized, the shelter during the educational process will be used as a civil protection structure for students and employees of the educational institution.
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko – head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
Other residents can also use it during non-school hours in case of danger. In peacetime, this facility will become a sports complex.
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko – head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
Kravchenko made it clear that the storage facility is fully equipped, with consideration for the principles of providing barrier-free access for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.
In addition, a multifunctional sports ground with portable sports equipment for volleyball and basketball has been installed on the shelter's roof. Also, the object is equipped with a powerful ventilation system; it has an individual heating point and backup power supply. An armor-piercing film reliably protects all glass elements.
Photo: Facebook / Ruslan Kravchenko – head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration
"There is everything for a comfortable stay here. For the continuous education of children, 50 tablets were handed over to the shelter from Kyiv Regional Military Administration. Our task is to maximize safety in educational institutions. Therefore, we continue to equip shelters in schools and kindergartens in the Kyiv region," added the head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration.
Already, after the holidays, schoolchildren can return to full-time education.
According to Kravchenko, more than 1,200 shelters have been installed in educational institutions of all types and forms of ownership.
"To ensure transparency, accountability, and high-quality execution of work, we carefully monitor the entire process of setting up shelters. Despite the war, children must have access to high-quality and safe education," he added.
