Vilnius to Upgrade 60 Civil Defense Shelters in Schools by 2027

Vilnius has officially launched the second phase of its ambitious civil defense infrastructure plan, prioritizing the safety of its youngest residents. The Lithuanian capital is set to upgrade 60 shelters across the city, with a heavy focus on educational and social service facilities. This move comes as part of a broader national effort to bolster urban resilience and ensure that public spaces are equipped to protect citizens during emergencies.

The project, which begins this May, aims to modernize over 30,000 square meters of shelter space, providing reinforced protection for approximately 20,600 residents. While the city already has roughly 2,000 marked shelter locations, this new phase focuses on technical quality—turning existing basements and lower-level rooms into high-standard protective environments.

Prioritizing Public Infrastructure

Unlike previous initiatives that focused on identifying existing spaces, this phase is about active improvement. Out of the 60 selected sites, 50 are public buildings that serve as community hubs. The city has identified these locations as critical due to the high density of vulnerable populations, specifically children and the elderly.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas emphasized that these upgrades are a proactive measure rather than a response to immediate threats. “Preparation is the most important step in helping residents feel secure,” Benkunskas stated. By focusing on schools and kindergartens, the city ensures that the most significant part of the population is covered in the places they spend the most time.

Technical Standards and Accessibility

The upgrades are not merely cosmetic. Each of the 60 shelters will receive a comprehensive technical overhaul. According to the Vilnius Development Company, which is managing 50 of the sites, the goal is to integrate these safety features naturally into the architecture of modern public buildings.

Key improvements include:
* Backup Power: Installation of reserve electricity supplies for all 60 locations.
* Life Support Systems: Ventilation systems will be installed in the majority of sites to ensure air quality during prolonged stays.
* Structural Safety: Window protection and fire detection systems will be added to nearly half of the locations.
* Accessibility: In a significant move for inclusive safety, 55 out of the 60 shelters will be fully adapted for people with mobility disabilities.
* Evacuation: Approximately one-third of the shelters will receive additional emergency exits to meet modern safety codes.

Funding and Timeline

The total investment for this phase is valued at approximately €2.39 million. The funding is a collaborative effort, with nearly 20% (€463,785) coming directly from the Vilnius municipal budget, while the remainder is covered by the national Defense Fund. This fund was specifically established to strengthen crisis management and civil protection across Lithuania.

Public procurement for the construction works is expected to be announced in November 2024. While the first phase of the shelter program—consisting of 32 sites—is nearing completion this year, this second, larger phase is scheduled for a full rollout by November 2027. Residents can currently locate their nearest marked shelter using the city’s interactive civil defense map, which is updated as new sites meet the required safety standards.

Original reporting by: vilnius

Source: Vilniaus miesto savivaldybė