A clandestine emergency response center in Kharkiv is actively managing air raid sirens across the city, providing critical alerts to residents amid ongoing threats. This facility, staffed by civilian specialists, operates around the clock to ensure timely warnings are issued during air raids.
According to a report by the New York Times, the center employs teams who manually activate hundreds of sirens, dispelling the common belief that the process is fully automated. Dmitro, a 23-year-old specialist at the center, emphasized the urgency of their work, stating, “I try to do everything as quickly as possible to give people more time to take cover.”
The center operates in shifts lasting 12 hours, with Dmitro responsible for activating the sirens. He uses two computer mice—one for routine tasks and another specifically for triggering over 500 air raid sirens throughout the city. This setup is designed to prevent accidental activations.
Utilizing a radar map that outlines a blue circle around the city, the team can detect drones approaching Kharkiv, which can arrive in as little as eight minutes. As soon as a drone crosses this threshold, sirens are activated immediately.
Staff members are cautious about issuing alerts too early, as they aim to maintain public trust. However, in the case of missile launches, sirens are triggered as soon as a threat is identified. The center often receives real-time information from military sources, in addition to monitoring radar data.
In addition to using a dedicated app that many residents rely on for alerts, the team can also press a large red button on their screens to activate citywide sirens within two seconds.
Alina Ustyukhova, the center’s director, noted that the role requires composure, resilience, and focus. Finding a qualified individual for the lead specialist position took six months.
Dmitro, who has held his position for three months, described himself as calm under pressure, often remaining still throughout his shifts. His family is unaware of his job, as he prefers to shield them from the weight of his responsibilities. Only his girlfriend is aware of his role, and he speculated, “Maybe she thinks about me each time the sirens go off.”
Updates on Air Raid Alerts
Late last year, it was announced that Ukraine would implement a new system for issuing air raid alerts. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that this updated approach aims to enhance the stability of critical infrastructure and support economic activity. The system has undergone testing in 13 regions and is now operational nationwide.
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A secret emergency response center in Kharkiv is manually activating air raid sirens to alert residents of potential threats. The facility operates continuously, ensuring timely warnings while maintaining public trust.
Source: New York Times