Following is the IDF Homefront Command directive released on Shabbos, 27 December, day one of Operation Cast Lead.

The firing of rockets at Israeli communities around the Gaza Strip is expected to continue over the next few days, and the attacks may expand to additional areas.  Residents are requested to follow directions for preparing a protected room and to act in accordance with the instructions at the sound of an alarm, an explosion, or a “Color Red” alert.

All schools and commercial centers will remain closed, with the exception of vital services, such as medical centers, grocery stores and public transit, which will operate on a limited schedule.

Residents of communities within range of up to 10 km (6 miles) of the Gaza security fence are directed to be certain that they are no more than fifteen seconds from a protected area.  Public gatherings in this perimeter are forbidden.

The Homefront Command has advised the local authorities to open the public shelters. Entrance to the shelters is advised only if they are reachable within the aforementioned time frames.

Gathering close to, standing near, or approaching rocket attack sites should be avoided. Unidentifiable objects and rockets should not be approached.  In such instances, the police should be notified.

It is important to remember that adhering to these guidelines and remaining in or near a shelter saves lives.

Additional information can be obtained via the Homefront Command’s hotline: 1207.

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESIDENTS OF SOUTHERN ISRAEL

Following IDF attacks and the missile launches towards southern towns that may last a few days and possibly even extend, the HomeFront Command announces once again:

Upon hearing a siren, explosion or “Color Red”, make sure to enter protective areas according to the following alert times based on your location.

In towns near the fence (within 4.5 kilometers), including Sderot, stay indoors until a new instruction comes in. All gatherings are forbidden. All schools and shopping areas will be closed except from essential services such as government clinics and supermarkets. There will be no work except essential services.

Towns within the 10 kilometer range from Gaza – Stay in places that enable entry to protective areas within 15 seconds. All gatherings are forbidden.
All schools and shopping areas will be closed except from essential services such as government clinics and supermarkets. Public transport will work on a limited schedule.

Towns within the 10 to 20 kilometer range from, including Ashkelon, Netivot and the towns around them – Enter protective areas within 30 seconds.
In these areas all gatherings will include no more then 100 people and will take place under a hard roof (concrete). Schools will be closed except from the ministry of the ITL (Industry, Trade & Labor) daycares. Public transport will work on a limited schedule.

Towns within the 20 to 30 kilometer range from Gaza Strip, including Ashdod, Ofakim, Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Gat, Rahat and the towns around them – Enter protective areas within 45 seconds. In these areas all gatherings will include no more then 500 people and will take place under a hard roof. Schools and shopping centers will work only in buildings made of concrete.

After five minutes, it is permitted to leave the protective areas if no other instructions were given and if there is no sound of another bomb. No relief sirens will be sounded.

It is important to stay away from unidentified objects or rockets that are lying on the ground. In such a case, call the police.

Strict adherence to instructions and entering protective areas save lives.
In case there is no protected space in your house stay in the room with the fewer windows and doors or in the staircase. Do not stay in a bathroom when a siren is heard. If you’re in an open area in time of a missile launch lay down with you hands behind your head.

Notices to all citizens:
Home Front Command guided the local authorities to open all the public bomb shelters. Enter the shelter only if you can in the given time. Avoid gatherings in the missile attacked areas.

For additional information call the Home Front Command Information Center on phone number 1207.

Continue following the instructions in the media.

(YWN Israel News Desk)