Merkhav Mugan
Merkhav Mugan is a reinforced security room required in all new buildings by Israeli law. A Merkhav Mugan is deemed preferable to a bomb shelter, known as a "miklat", when the warning time is too short for residents to reach a shelter, which may be located some distance away. It also offers protection against high impact projectiles and chemical weapons.
History
Security rooms are based on a 1951 civil defense law that has undergone several revisions. After Israel was attacked by Scud missiles in the Gulf War, the Israeli [Home Front Command] established new guidelines for civil defense. In 1992, technical specifications were drawn up for designated protected spaces in family homes. The Merkhav Mugan can withstand blast and shrapnel from conventional weapons, and offers protection against chemical and biological weapons. It has reinforced concrete walls and ceilings, 20–30 cm thick floors, and airtight steel doors and windows.Types
- Miklat Tzibury – lit. public shelter, a partly underground facility, installed in residential areas. They are commonly used for community needs. Maintained by the local governance and Home Front. They are located in streets and near public facilities.
- Miklat BeBayit Meshutaf – lit. shelter in a condominium, a facility built into a building which has been declared as a condominium it includes all the facilities that a public shelter has, but is maintained by the building residents.
- Merkhav Mugan Dirati – installed in residential apartments and private houses.
- Merkhav Mugan Komati – common floor space in apartment buildings in which there is no Merkhav Mugan Dirati in every apartment and in other multi-story buildings.
- Merkhav Mugan Mosadi – installed in every public structure.
Migunit