IDF to double rocket alert time in Ashkelon area
Home Front Command to change emergency directive given to Ashkelon and its surroundings, allowing residents 30 seconds to take cover in case of Color Red alert
The Home Front Command (HFC) announced Sunday that it intends to double the alert time given to the Ashkelon area in case of rocket fire from 15 to 30-seconds.
Faced with the escalating rocket fire on Ashkelon and its vicinity, the HFC has realized that rockets fired from Gaza towards the area take more than 15 seconds to reach it, prompting the change in directives.
According to HFC assessments, any rocket fired towards townships located 4.3 miles and over from Gaza take longer to reach their target – longer, at least, in comparison to Sderot and the Gaza vicinity communities – allowing for an increase in alert time.
"Fortification is of utter importance," a military source told Ynet. "The Second Lebanon War and the events in Sderot over the past few years have proven without a shadow of a doubt that our directive to run for cover in fortified venues or shelters has saved lives.
"Civilians must make sure to use this extra time to get to a safe place," added the source.
The Home Front Command will conduct testing of the area's siren systems to that effect on Tuesday – a drill which will also be utilized by the schools in the area to practice Color Red alert and emergency procedures.
The Home Front Command has asked for the public's cooperation in the drill, urging those who will not hear the Color Red alert in their area to notify them.
Also on Tuesday, the HFC intends to test the siren system in the southern city of Netivot. The city was hit by a Qassam rocket a fortnight ago, and the HFC wants to make sure the siren system is in order, in case Netivot will need to be lined to the Color Red system in the future.
