Here is a practical, UAE-specific personal checklist you can use as a starting point and adapt for your family and business.ncema.gov+4
1. Follow official channels only
Install and keep alerts on for NCEMA, Ministry of Interior, and local police apps (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah Police apps, etc.).u+1
In any emergency, follow SMS / mobile alerts exactly (seek shelter, stay away from windows, wait for instructions).ncema.gov+2
Do not share rumours or unverified videos/forwards; only forward content from official UAE government channels.gulfnews+1
2. Core emergency numbers (print and save)
Keep these written on paper near phones and saved on mobiles.[u]
999 – Police
998 – Ambulance
997 – Civil Defence (fire)
996 – Coast Guard (if relevant)
800 11111 (or 800 NCEMA when published) – National emergency line / hotlines as announced in alerts.ncema+1
3. Home emergency kit (minimum 3–5 days)
Pack in one or two easy‑to-carry bags, stored in a known location for all family members.adek.gov+2
Water: at least 3 litres per person per day, for 3–5 days.[ncema.gov]
Food: canned/long‑life food, baby food if needed, manual can opener.adek.gov+1
Medicines: personal prescriptions, basic first‑aid kit, painkillers, antihistamines.mediaoffice+2
Documents: passport copies, Emirates ID copies, visas, property/lease contracts, insurance, key contacts list, some cash in small notes.[ncema.gov]
Tools and basics: flashlight with spare batteries, power bank, multi‑tool, whistle, duct tape, matches/lighter.adek.gov+1
Hygiene: wet wipes, sanitizer, tissues, basic toiletries, nappies if needed.ncema.gov+1
Clothing: change of clothes, sturdy shoes, light jacket, modest wear in case of shelters.[ncema.gov]
Communication: battery/hand‑crank radio if possible, phone charging cables and adapters.ncema.gov+1
4. Home safety and sheltering
Identify the safest room: interior room, no or few windows, away from external walls and glass (e.g., bathroom, corridor, storage room).gulfnews+2
In a missile / blast threat: go indoors immediately, move away from windows and open areas, stay there until authorities give all‑clear.timesofindia.indiatimes+3
Close gas cylinders and valves, secure them away from direct heat; know how to turn off main gas and water if instructed.mediaoffice+1
Ensure fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire blankets are installed and maintained, especially in kitchen and majlis.tigerfireuae+1
Park vehicles away from building entrances and main glass façades where possible.[mediaoffice]
5. Family communication and roles
Decide one “family coordinator” who will monitor official updates and give instructions.[gulfnews]
Prepare a simple written plan:
Primary and backup meeting points (inside building and outside area).[ncema.gov]
Emergency contacts in UAE and one abroad.adek.gov+1
Teach children basic steps: go to safe room, call 999 for police, say name, location, and what happened.u+1
Agree which WhatsApp group (family group) is used only for verified information and check‑in messages.
6. Vehicle and travel readiness
Keep fuel at least half‑full; during crises, petrol queues and road closures are common.timesofindia.indiatimes+1
Keep a small “car kit”: water, snacks, phone chargers, basic first aid, copy of IDs.mediaoffice+1
Before long trips, check tyres, brakes, and that fire extinguisher is present and valid (Civil Defence requirement).tigerfireuae+1
In an alert while driving: stop in a safe covered area where possible, leave highways if instructed, go to the nearest secure building and stay inside.timesofindia.indiatimes+1
7. Information and behaviour during tension or conflict
Monitor only:
NCEMA, Ministry of Interior, local police, official Media Office accounts, u.ae portal.ncema+2
Avoid:
Going to high‑profile locations or borders if authorities advise against gatherings or non‑essential travel.gulfnews+1
Filming military/security operations or sharing locations of critical infrastructure, which can be a legal offence.[gulfnews]
Follow building management guidance in towers and malls; many have internal emergency procedures coordinated with Civil Defence.gulfnews+1
8. For business owners (brief)
Given your profile, adapt this for your shops/warehouses:
Up‑to‑date emergency contacts and tree (who calls whom) for all staff.[gulfnews]
Mark safe areas, exits, and extinguisher locations; conduct short drills.tigerfireuae+2
Critical data backups: off‑site or cloud copies of accounting, contracts, inventory.
Clarify policy for salary, attendance, and remote work if authorities restrict movement.