Quick answers
How should civilians prepare a family plan during war or conflict?
Agree how household members will contact each other if phones or transport fail, and keep identity documents, medicines, water and essential supplies accessible. Plan for children, older people and disability-related needs.
Is it safe to follow evacuation routes shared on social media during conflict?
No. Do not follow an unverified map or social-media convoy message. Use current instructions from reliable local authorities and recognised humanitarian organisations, and check an alert's time and location.
What to do if I find a suspicious object or unexploded ordnance?
Do not touch it. Move back from it and report it through appropriate local channels.
Should I share shelter locations online during a conflict?
No. Share only the information needed for safety and avoid publishing sensitive locations of civilians or shelters.
Cover image: AI-generated editorial illustration, not a photograph of a real conflict or shelter.
Make a plan that can change with the situation
Conflict looks different in every place, and it can change within hours. No page can tell you which road is safe, where the nearest shelter is or when to leave. That depends on where you are and what happened this morning. Follow current instructions from reliable local authorities and recognised humanitarian organisations, and check the time and place of an alert before you act. Do not follow an unverified map or social-media convoy message.
Papers, medicines and a way to reach each other
Agree beforehand how household members will contact one another if phones or transport fail. Keep identity documents, necessary medicines, water and other essentials where you can reach them safely. Think about children, older people, disability-related needs and anyone who might get separated from the family. The ICRC’s family-links service deals with separation during conflict and disasters. Share only what you need to for safety. Do not publish sensitive locations, such as where civilians or a shelter are.
If the danger reaches your area
Move away from active fighting and damaged infrastructure when it is safe and permitted to do so. If an authority directs you to shelter or evacuate, follow the latest locally verified instructions. Look for medical or humanitarian help through the official channels that are working. Do not enter a damaged building, and do not take a route on the strength of this article alone. UNICEF’s explosive-ordnance risk education tells people not to touch a suspicious object, to move back from it and to report it through the proper local channels. Today, sit down with your family and agree how you would reach each other if the phones stopped working.
What needs attention
- Civilian risks vary by place and phase of conflict. Rumours, unverified routes and improvised travel can add danger.
Controls that reduce risk
- Identify official local alert channels and shelters if designated; agree a family contact plan; keep essential documents, medicines and accessible assistance plans ready.
Common unsafe practices
- Following unverified route messages.
- publishing a civilian shelter location.
- touching suspect ordnance.
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