Air raid shelter, disaster prevention exhibit opens in Ximen

Taipei, July 2 (CNA) A free exhibition aimed at teaching the public about air-raid shelters and basic emergency self-protection skills opened Wednesday at the concourse level of Taipei's MRT Ximen Station.

The event, organized by the National Police Agency, aims to raise awareness about disaster preparedness ahead of nationwide air raid drills scheduled for July 15-18 as part of the Urban Resilience Exercise.

The exhibition outlines recommended actions for people indoors, commuting or outdoors when air raid sirens sound.

It also teaches visitors how to equip air-raid shelters and pack "bug-out bags," with displays of recommended essential items.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) attended the opening, with Cho stressing the importance of "social resilience" amid threats from both natural disasters and Chinese military harassment.

He urged police, firefighters and civil defense units to coordinate closely to help the public understand how to shelter at home or on the streets during a disaster.

Cho said the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) should stock its disaster prevention centers with emergency supplies to ensure they function properly when needed.

He also called on the ministry to bolster public infrastructure against terrorist attacks and prepare temporary shelters in case of fires.

Liu said building public preparedness requires regular drills, knowledge of air-raid shelters and evacuation plans, as well as emergency stockpiles prepared in advance.

Liu urged the public to download the National Police Agency app for information on nearby air-raid shelters.