Lebanon Wartime
Safety Guide
Comprehensive civilian protection protocols for airstrikes, bombings, displacement, robbery, and all security threats across Lebanon’s 9 governorates. From the experts who have protected Lebanon since 1990.
Current Situation Overview
Since March 2, 2026, Lebanon has been drawn into a broader regional conflict following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, itself part of the wider US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. Airstrikes have struck locations across Beirut’s southern suburbs, South Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley, Baalbek-Hermel, and Mount Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced, with mass evacuation orders issued for areas south of the Litani River and multiple Beirut neighborhoods.
The Lebanese government has condemned unauthorized military operations from Lebanese territory and ordered all non-state military activities to cease. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing emergency shelters, medical support, and displacement assistance. The situation remains fluid and dangerous across multiple governorates.
Airstrike & Bombing Safety
Airstrikes represent the most immediate and lethal threat during active conflict. Understanding what to do in the seconds before, during, and after a strike can save your life and the lives of those around you. These protocols are drawn from decades of security expertise across Lebanon’s conflict history.
Immediate Response Protocol
Drop and Take Cover
If you hear incoming strikes or explosions, immediately drop to the ground, get under a sturdy table or against an interior load-bearing wall, and cover your head and neck with your arms. Stay away from windows, glass doors, and exterior walls.
Move to the Lowest Interior Floor
The safest position is on the ground floor or basement of a reinforced concrete building. Move to interior rooms away from the building’s exterior. Stairwells in concrete buildings offer good protection. Never go to the roof.
Protect Against Secondary Effects
After the initial impact, stay down for at least 60 seconds. Secondary explosions, falling debris, and shockwave damage can be as lethal as the primary strike. Cover your mouth and nose with cloth to filter dust and potential contaminants.
Assess and Evacuate If Necessary
Once the immediate danger passes, check yourself and others for injuries. If the building is structurally compromised, evacuate carefully — watch for unstable floors, dangling electrical wires, and gas leaks. Do not use elevators.
Report and Seek Help
Call the Lebanese Red Cross (140) or Civil Defense (125) if there are casualties. Share your location precisely. If you are trapped, make noise by tapping on pipes or walls at regular intervals to help rescuers locate you.
✓ Do This
- Stay on the lowest floor of a solid building
- Keep shoes nearby at all times (debris risk)
- Keep flashlights and charged phone accessible
- Identify 2 exit routes from every room
- Sleep in interior rooms during active strikes
- Keep windows slightly open to reduce shatter blast pressure
✗ Never Do This
- Never stand near windows during or after strikes
- Never go to the roof to watch or film strikes
- Never use elevators during active conflict
- Never crowd around a fresh strike site (secondary strikes)
- Never ignore evacuation warnings — even broad ones
- Never assume a single strike means the area is now safe
Shelter & Safe Room Protocols
Not every building has a designated shelter, but you can significantly improve your protection by designating and preparing a safe room within your home or workplace. The key principles are reinforced structure, interior positioning, and pre-staged supplies.
🏗️ Choosing a Safe Room
Select an interior room on the lowest floor with no exterior walls or windows if possible. Reinforced concrete rooms, stairwells, and basements are ideal. Avoid rooms with large glass surfaces, rooms directly below heavy water tanks, or rooms adjacent to fuel storage.
🧱 Reinforcing Your Space
If your safe room has windows, tape them with heavy-duty packing tape in an X-pattern to reduce shattering. Place heavy furniture against exterior walls. Sandbags or bags of earth against walls and windows provide significant blast protection. Even filled bookshelves offer some barrier.
📦 Pre-Stage Supplies
Keep a minimum 72-hour supply kit in your safe room: water (4 liters per person per day), non-perishable food, first-aid kit, flashlights, battery radio, phone chargers, important documents, cash, medications, blankets, and a multi-tool. Rotate supplies monthly.
🏫 Collective Shelters
Over 477 collective shelters have been activated across Lebanon, primarily in schools and public buildings. Contact your local municipality or the Lebanese Red Cross (140) to identify the nearest registered shelter. Capacity fills rapidly — register early and know your backup location.
Displacement & Evacuation Guide
Mass displacement has affected hundreds of thousands of Lebanese since March 2, 2026, with evacuation orders covering areas south of the Litani River, Beirut’s southern suburbs (Bourj el-Barajneh, Hadath, Haret Hreik, Chiyah), and parts of the Beqaa Valley. Preparation and planning are critical — roads become severely congested during mass evacuations.
Plan Multiple Routes in Advance
Identify at least 3 different routes to your safe destination. Main highways will be congested — secondary and mountain roads may be faster. Know the routes by memory, not just GPS, as cellular networks may fail. Print physical maps.
Designate a Rally Point
Every family should have a pre-agreed meeting point if separated. Choose a location that is easy to find, away from likely strike zones, and accessible from multiple directions. Have a backup rally point in case the primary is compromised.
Keep Your Vehicle Ready
Maintain at least half a tank of fuel at all times. Keep your go-bag and emergency supplies in the car. Ensure tires, spare tire, and battery are in working condition. Keep jump cables and basic tools accessible. Consider keeping a jerry can of fuel at home.
Document and Secure Property
Before evacuating, photograph the condition of your home and valuables for insurance purposes. Disconnect gas lines. Turn off water mains. Secure doors and windows. Take essential documents with you. Give a trusted neighbor your contact details.
Register with Authorities
Upon arriving at a collective shelter or new location, register with local authorities and humanitarian organizations. This ensures you can receive aid and be found by family members. UNHCR and the Lebanese Red Cross maintain displacement registries.
Emergency Go-Bag Checklist
Every person and family in Lebanon should have a packed emergency bag ready at all times during active conflict. This bag should be grabbable in under 30 seconds and sustain you for 72 hours minimum.
📄 Documents & Money
Passport, national ID, property deeds, insurance papers, medical records, birth certificates — keep originals in a waterproof bag. Carry cash in both USD and LBP (ATMs and banks may be offline). Write emergency contacts on paper — phones die.
🍞 Food & Water
Minimum 3 liters of water per person. Energy bars, canned food (with manual opener), dried fruit, nuts, crackers, baby formula if needed. Avoid foods that require cooking. Pack water purification tablets as backup.
🩺 Medical Supplies
Prescription medications (2-week supply minimum), basic first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, anti-diarrheal), any chronic condition supplies (insulin, inhalers, EpiPens). Include medical information cards for each family member.
🔦 Tools & Equipment
Flashlight with extra batteries, power bank (fully charged), battery-powered or hand-crank radio, lighter/matches in waterproof container, multi-tool or Swiss army knife, whistle (for signaling rescuers), dust masks, work gloves.
👕 Clothing & Comfort
One change of clothes per person, sturdy closed-toe shoes, warm jacket or blanket, rain poncho, hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, sanitary products, wet wipes). For children: comfort item (small toy or blanket), diapers if needed.
📱 Communication
Fully charged phone with offline maps downloaded. Written list of all emergency contacts, family phone numbers, and your rally point address. Small FM radio. USB charging cable. Consider a backup basic phone with long battery life.
Robbery & Looting Protection
Wartime and displacement create conditions where criminal activity — including robbery, looting, and opportunistic theft — increases dramatically. Homes left vacant during evacuations, reduced police presence, power outages, and economic desperation all contribute to heightened risk. Proactive security measures are essential for both occupied and evacuated properties.
🏠 If You Stay Home
Reinforce all entry points — deadbolts, security bars, and door reinforcement bars. Keep exterior lighting functional (solar-powered if electricity is unstable). Establish a neighborhood watch with trusted neighbors. Never advertise that you have supplies, cash, or valuables. Vary your routines — do not be predictable.
🚪 If You Evacuate
Lock all doors and windows with the strongest locks available. Remove or hide all visible valuables. Disconnect and remove small electronics. Leave lights on timers if power permits. Inform a trusted neighbor of your departure. Do not post your evacuation on social media — this signals an empty home.
🚶 Street Safety
Avoid traveling alone, especially at night. Do not display cash, jewelry, phones, or expensive items in public. Keep belongings close to your body. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If confronted by an armed robber, do not resist — your life is more valuable than any possession.
🏪 Business Protection
Install steel shutters on storefronts if possible. Remove cash registers and safes to secure locations. Back up all business data to the cloud. Photograph inventory for insurance claims. Consider hiring professional security — CIS Security provides 24/7 commercial guarding nationwide.
Home & Property Security
Your home should be both a shelter from strikes and a fortress against criminal threats. Wartime property security requires a dual approach: structural protection against explosive damage and physical security against intrusion.
Reinforce Entry Points
Install deadbolt locks on all doors. Use door reinforcement kits on main entry. Secure sliding doors with metal bars. Install window locks and consider security film on glass. Ground-floor windows should have bars or grilles if in a high-risk area.
Create Blast-Resistant Measures
Apply safety film or heavy tape to all windows to prevent shattering. Move heavy furniture away from windows. Secure heavy items on shelves to prevent falling during shockwaves. Keep fire extinguishers accessible in kitchen and near electrical panels.
Establish Utility Controls
Know exactly where and how to shut off gas, water, and electricity mains. Label them clearly. In the event of a nearby strike, immediately shut off gas to prevent fires. Have the tools needed to turn off valves accessible at all times.
Install or Maintain CCTV
Security cameras with cloud recording provide evidence and deterrence. Solar-powered cameras work during power outages. Even visible dummy cameras can deter opportunistic thieves. CIS Security provides professional CCTV installation and monitoring.
Organize a Building Security Committee
For apartment buildings, form a security committee with residents. Establish entry protocols, shared watch schedules, emergency communication chains, and collective supply management. Coordinate with your building’s concierge or guard service.
Digital & Communication Safety
In modern conflict, your digital footprint can be as dangerous as your physical location. Geotagged photos, social media check-ins, and unencrypted communications can reveal positions, troop movements, and civilian locations. Practice strict digital hygiene to protect yourself and others.
✓ Safe Practices
- Use encrypted messaging (WhatsApp, Signal)
- Turn off location services on all apps
- Download offline maps of Lebanon and your area
- Save emergency contacts on paper and in phone
- Keep devices charged — 50% minimum at all times
- Back up photos and documents to cloud storage
- Use battery-saver mode proactively
- Have a hand-crank or battery-powered FM radio
✗ Dangerous Practices
- Never post your real-time location on social media
- Never share photos showing military positions or movements
- Never photograph or share images of strike sites (can attract secondary strikes)
- Never announce that your home is empty on social media
- Never spread unverified information or rumors
- Never rely solely on one communication method
- Never use public Wi-Fi for sensitive communications
- Never keep phone flashlight on outdoors at night in conflict zones
Medical & First Aid Essentials
Access to medical facilities may be severely limited during active conflict. Hospitals face overwhelming patient loads, medical supply chains are disrupted, and ambulance response times increase dramatically. Basic first-aid knowledge and supplies can mean the difference between life and death.
🩸 Severe Bleeding
Apply direct, firm pressure with a clean cloth and maintain it. If blood soaks through, add more cloth — do not remove the first layer. Elevate the wounded limb above the heart if possible. For limb injuries with uncontrollable bleeding, a tourniquet applied 5-8 cm above the wound can be lifesaving — tighten until bleeding stops and note the time of application.
🦴 Blast Injuries
Blast injuries can cause internal damage even without visible wounds. Watch for ear pain or hearing loss, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and confusion after nearby explosions. Do not move someone with suspected spinal injury. Keep them warm and calm while waiting for medical help.
🔥 Burns
Cool burns immediately with clean, room-temperature water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or toothpaste. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing. Do not pop blisters. For severe burns covering large areas, focus on preventing shock — keep the victim warm and hydrated while seeking emergency care.
💊 Medication Management
Secure a minimum 2-week supply of all prescription medications. Know your medications by generic name (not just brand) in case you need to source alternatives. Insulin and other temperature-sensitive medications need cool storage — insulated bags with cooling packs are essential during displacement.
Children & Vulnerable Groups
Children, elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions face disproportionate risks during conflict. Tailored preparations and vigilant attention are essential to protect the most vulnerable among us.
👶 Protecting Children
Write your child’s full name, your phone number, and blood type on a card pinned inside their clothing. Teach children to memorize a parent’s phone number. Establish a family code word for trusted people who may need to pick up children. Keep a recent photo of each child on your phone and printed. Practice shelter drills as a calm, routine activity — not as something to fear.
👴 Elderly & Disabled
Ensure mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes) are always accessible. Pre-plan evacuation routes that accommodate mobility limitations. Keep hearing aids and batteries, eyeglasses, and essential assistive devices in the go-bag. Assign a dedicated helper for each elderly or disabled family member during evacuation.
🤰 Pregnant Women
Know the nearest operational maternity hospital. Keep prenatal records in your go-bag. Pack necessary supplies: clean towels, sterile gloves, umbilical clamps, and sanitary supplies. If in a shelter, identify the nearest medical professional and inform them of your due date and any complications.
🐾 Pets & Animals
Include pet food and water in your emergency supplies. Keep pets leashed or in carriers during evacuations. Bring vaccination records. If you must evacuate without your pet, leave accessible food, water, and open interior doors so they can access multiple rooms. Never tie pets outside.
Power & Water Management
Lebanon’s already fragile electricity and water infrastructure is under extreme strain during active conflict. Extended power outages, fuel shortages, and water supply interruptions should be expected. Plan for a minimum of 7-14 days without reliable utilities.
Water Storage
Fill all available containers including bathtubs, large pots, and bottles whenever water is running. A minimum of 4 liters per person per day is needed for drinking and basic hygiene. Water purification tablets, a portable filter, or boiling for 3+ minutes makes questionable water safe to drink.
Power Conservation
Prioritize charging phones, medical devices, and communication equipment when power is available. Use LED flashlights over candles (fire risk). Solar chargers and portable power banks are invaluable. If you have a generator, ration fuel strictly and run it only during essential hours. Never run a generator indoors.
Food Preservation
During power outages, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer can maintain temperature for 24-48 hours if unopened. Consume perishable items first. Rely on canned, dried, and non-perishable foods for extended outages. Cook perishables before they spoil rather than discarding them.
Cooking Alternatives
Keep a camp stove, gas canister, or portable butane stove available. If cooking outdoors, use a location sheltered from view — cooking smoke and light can attract unwanted attention in conflict zones. Never use charcoal or gas stoves indoors in enclosed spaces.
Road & Travel Safety
Travel during active conflict is inherently dangerous. Roads may be damaged, bridges destroyed, checkpoints unpredictable, and conflict zones shifting. Only travel when absolutely necessary and with maximum preparation.
🗺️ Route Planning
Check road conditions through official channels, Red Cross, and community groups before departing. Avoid main highways in conflict zones — they may be targeted. Use secondary roads but be aware of checkpoints. Travel in daylight only. Inform someone of your route, departure time, and expected arrival.
🚧 Checkpoint Protocol
Approach checkpoints slowly with headlights on and interior lights on at night. Keep hands visible. Have your ID ready. Follow all instructions calmly and without argument. Do not photograph or film checkpoints. Do not carry weapons, military items, or anything that could be perceived as threatening.
⛽ Vehicle Preparedness
Maintain at least a half tank of fuel. Keep a spare tire in good condition, jack, and basic tools. Carry water, food, first-aid supplies, and a blanket in the vehicle at all times. Keep a printed map — GPS may fail. Consider traveling in convoys with other civilians when possible.
🚶♂️ On-Foot Travel
If you must travel on foot, stick to populated areas and main roads during daylight. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Avoid areas near military installations, communication towers, or known strategic targets. Move calmly and predictably — running can be misinterpreted at checkpoints.
Psychological Resilience
The psychological toll of conflict is profound and long-lasting. Anxiety, sleep disruption, hypervigilance, and emotional exhaustion are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances. Acknowledging these feelings and practicing intentional coping strategies strengthens your capacity to endure and protect those around you.
😮💨 Managing Acute Stress
During moments of intense fear, focus on controlled breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Ground yourself by naming 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear. These techniques activate your body’s calming response and help you think clearly under pressure.
🗣️ Supporting Children’s Mental Health
Children absorb the anxiety of adults around them. Stay calm and honest in age-appropriate terms. Maintain routines as much as possible — regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and activities provide a sense of normalcy. Let children express their feelings through drawing, play, or conversation. Never dismiss their fears.
🤝 Community Connection
Isolation worsens psychological distress. Stay connected with neighbors, friends, and family. Share tasks and responsibilities within your building or shelter. Helping others is one of the most effective ways to combat feelings of helplessness. Even small acts of kindness build collective resilience.
📵 Information Hygiene
Limit exposure to graphic news and social media coverage to designated check-in times (2-3 times daily). Constant news consumption amplifies anxiety without improving safety. Rely on verified, official sources. Rumors and misinformation increase panic and poor decision-making.
Need Immediate Security?
CIS Security has protected Lebanon’s families, businesses, and institutions since 1990. Our trained, uniformed guards operate 24/7 across all 9 governorates — even during active conflict. Don’t face this alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drop to the floor immediately, move to the lowest interior room away from windows and exterior walls, and cover your head. Stay flat on the ground. Do not go near windows or to the roof. Wait at least 60 seconds after the last explosion before moving, as secondary strikes and debris are common. If the building is damaged, evacuate carefully using stairs, not elevators.
Over 477 collective shelters are currently active across Lebanon, primarily in schools and public buildings. Contact the Lebanese Red Cross at 140 or your local municipality for the nearest registered shelter. UNRWA has also activated shelters in Siblin (Saida) and Nahr el-Bared (North). Shelter capacity is filling rapidly, so register early and have a backup plan.
Lock all doors and windows securely. Remove or hide valuables. Do not post on social media that you’ve evacuated. Leave lights on timers if power permits. Inform a trusted neighbor. Consider professional security — CIS Security provides residential guarding services even during conflict. For immediate deployment, contact +961-3-539900.
Essential documents (passport, ID, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof bag, cash in USD and LBP, prescription medications (2-week supply), first-aid kit, 3+ liters of water per person, non-perishable food, flashlight with batteries, power bank, phone charger, battery radio, warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and a written list of emergency contacts.
Lebanese Red Cross: 140, Civil Defense: 125, Fire Department: 175, Police: 112, Lebanese Army: 1701, General Security: 1717. For professional security services, CIS Security is available 24/7 at +961-3-539900 or via WhatsApp at wa.me/9613539900.
Limit news consumption to 2-3 scheduled check-ins per day using verified sources only (official Lebanese channels, CIS Lebanon Security Index™, major news agencies). Avoid graphic social media content. Turn off push notifications for non-essential news apps. Share information responsibilities with household members so one person monitors while others rest.
Yes. CIS Security has been operational through every major conflict in Lebanon since 1990. Our guards are deployed across all 9 governorates, providing residential, commercial, institutional, and executive protection services 24/7. We also publish daily threat assessments via the CIS Lebanon Security Index™. Contact us anytime at +961-3-539900.
If you are in an area under an official evacuation order, you should leave. If you are in an area that has not received orders but is near active strike zones, assess the structural integrity of your building and proximity to potential targets. When in doubt, consult the CIS Lebanon Security Index™ for your governorate’s threat level, and contact the Lebanese Red Cross (140) or CIS Security (+961-3-539900) for professional guidance.