Making your home safer after a missile or drone strike nearby

Why this matters in the UK

The government's National Risk Register includes a scenario of a conventional missile attack on the UK aimed at infrastructure. It says that even though population centres aren't deliberately targeted in that scenario, civilian deaths are likely and essential services would be affected. This post is about the hours afterwards, if something lands near your home.

The UK has no public guide written for this situation. We've used the closest official advice: US government guidance on explosions (Ready.gov), Sweden's brochure In case of crisis or war, and UK advice on gas, electricity, water and storm damage.

During: take cover first

• If there's an air raid warning, Sweden's brochure says take cover at once in the nearest shelter, cellar or other protected place. Indoors is better than outdoors, ideally in a room without windows.
• If debris is falling, Ready.gov says get under a sturdy table or desk.
• Sweden's brochure says to leave shelter when the all-clear is given. In the UK, wait for instructions from the emergency services, radio or GOV.UK.

The "two walls" rule

You may have read about Ukraine's "two walls" rule: if you can't reach a shelter, put at least two walls between you and the street. A spokesperson for Ukraine's State Emergency Service said in May 2025 that it is "more of a psychological concept", that two walls may not protect you from a direct drone hit or large debris, and that people should use a proper shelter. Treat it as a last resort.

Should I tape the windows?

We found no UK official advice that recommends taping windows. What the guidance we read does say is to keep away from them: UKHSA and Ready.gov say stay away from windows, and Sweden says a room without windows is best.

Step 1: People first

• Call 999 for anyone injured. Emergency calls on a mobile can use any network that's available, so try even if your own network is down (Be Ready).
• Severe bleeding: Sweden's brochure says make sure you're safe, call for help, then press firmly on the wound, ideally with a bunched-up T-shirt or scarf, and keep pressing until paramedics take over.
• If someone is trapped, tell the emergency services where. Ready.gov says not to try to move debris yourself: it can cause more harm.
• If you're trapped, signal with a torch, a whistle or by tapping on pipes. Cover your nose and mouth. Shout only as a last resort, so you don't breathe in dust (Ready.gov).

Step 2: Decide whether to stay or leave

Leave now if there's fire, a smell of gas, or the building looks badly damaged. Ready.gov says:

• leave as soon as it's safe, and don't go back for belongings;
• use the stairs, never a lift, and avoid stairs that look badly damaged;
• stay low if there's smoke;
• once you're safe, text or message your emergency contact, and keep phone calls for emergencies.

Then follow the instructions of the emergency services. They may ask you to leave the area, or to turn off your electricity and water.

Step 3: Gas

If you smell gas, National Gas says:

1. Don't smoke or light matches.
2. Don't switch electrics on or off, including lights.
3. Open doors and windows.
4. Turn off the gas at the meter control handle, unless the meter is in a cellar.
5. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 (free, 24 hours).

Be Ready says your gas shut-off valve is usually next to your gas meter. Find it now, in calm time.

If a gas appliance may be damaged, don't use it until it has been checked. The NHS lists headache, dizziness, feeling sick, tiredness and confusion as signs of carbon monoxide poisoning; go outside and get medical advice if you notice them.

Step 4: Electricity

• Keep away from fallen or hanging power lines. Be Ready says high-voltage electricity can jump gaps without warning. Report damage or a power cut on 105 (03457 643643 in Northern Ireland).
• If wiring inside is damaged, or water is near electrics, switch off at your fuse board's main switch if you can do it safely. Be Ready says never touch an electrical switch while standing in water.
• Unplug appliances that were on, so they aren't damaged when the power comes back (Be Ready).

Step 5: Water

• If pipes have burst, close the stop tap. Be Ready says it's usually inside where the supply comes in, often under the kitchen sink, or outside under a cover near your boundary.
• If the mains supply is cut or looks wrong, use bottled water for drinking and check your water company's website (Be Ready). Our post on making water safe to drink covers boiling, tablets and filters.

Step 6: Glass, walls and the roof

• Broken glass: wear sturdy shoes and gloves before you clear it, and keep children and pets out of the room. Cover broken windows with board or heavy plastic to keep the weather out.
• Damaged walls, chimneys and trees: Be Ready's advice after a storm is not to walk close to walls, buildings and trees that may have been weakened. The same applies after a blast. Keep away from cracked walls and leaning chimneys until someone qualified has looked at them.
• Don't climb onto the roof or do repairs while there's any further danger. Be Ready's storm advice is not to go out to repair damage while the storm is still going on.

Step 7: Record the damage

Be Ready's advice after a flood carries over: take photos or video of all the damage before you clear up, and get your insurer's approval before any repair work. If you're not insured, contact your local council.

Get ready now

• Find your gas meter valve, your stop tap and your fuse board's main switch, and show everyone at home.
• Choose a room without windows, or the most central room, as your shelter room.
• Keep a torch, a whistle, a first aid kit and shoes by the bed or in your go bag.

Related guides

• How to turn off your gas, electricity and water
• Smell gas? What to do, step by step
• Storm damage to your home: what to do first
• Home first aid kit and medicine cabinet: a UK checklist

We're an independent UK site, not the government. We check guides against official sources and link to them. In an emergency call 999.

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