Nearly 60% of Poles do not know where the nearest bomb shelter is located, survey finds

Most citizens lack information about shelters

The results of a recent sociological study indicate that a significant portion of Polish residents is uninformed about security infrastructure. According to data published on 24 October 2026, 58.7% of respondents directly answered that they do not know where the nearest bomb shelter or other place of shelter is located near their place of residence.

An additional 8.4% of respondents admitted that they had not been interested in this topic at all, while 1.3% considered the answer to the question too difficult. In total, this means that nearly 70% of Poles cannot point to any specific facility where they could seek protection during a threat.

Only one in six is ready for a crisis situation

Only 15.7% of respondents know the exact location of the nearest shelter. A further 15.9% of respondents noted that they have a rough idea of such a place. This confirms the thesis that only one in six citizens may feel fully prepared for a possible crisis event.

Study methodology and expert assessments

The study was conducted by United Surveys by IBRiS on behalf of Wirtualna Polska. The survey took place from 16 to 18 October 2026 on a representative sample of 1,000 people. The key question posed to respondents was: "Do you know where the nearest bomb shelter or shelter is located near your place of residence?" ("Чи знаєте Ви, де поблизу Вашого місця проживання знаходиться найближче бомбосховище або місце укриття?").

Security experts have long emphasised the need to raise the level of public education and awareness regarding the location of shelters and the algorithms of action in the event of danger. However, the data obtained indicates that there is still much to be done in this area.