Taiwan unveils new civil defense handbook
台灣推出新版全民國防手冊
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday released the latest edition of its civil defense handbook.
The new manual, “In Case of Crisis: Taiwan's National Public Safety Guide,” has been released by the defense ministry’s All-Out Defense Mobilization Agency. It is available online in Mandarin and English and will be distributed to PX Mart locations around the country, per CNA. Shen Wei-chih (沈威志), head of the agency’s Materials Mobilization Division, said the third edition promotes the concept of, “Be Prepared, Be Safer” and aims to strengthen whole-of-society resilience. The physical copy features a water-resistant cover. The handbook is illustrated for easy reading and divided into three chapters: “Advance Preparation,” “In Case of Crisis,” and “Protecting Our Home.” It covers 18 topics across 29 pages, with clearly defined sections for quick navigation. Shen said the manual includes QR codes, allowing readers to access the Readiness TW e-app and Police Service app. Through these apps, users can locate shelters on offline maps and view instructional videos on emergency self-help and mutual aid. Initially, 5,000 printed copies are planned for distribution. Although the release is scheduled for Sept. 21, copies will be distributed in advance on Wednesday and Thursday at the National Disaster Prevention Day exercises, as well as at certain PX Mart locations. The handbook begins with interactive questions such as: “If communications are interrupted, does your family have an agreed-upon meeting point?" A section on “Spotting Enemy Activity” warns that adversaries may pose as friendly forces. It advises the public to avoid military operations, take cover away from doors and windows, and refrain from taking photos or videos of Taiwan’s military movements to protect personnel and operations. At the back, a cut-out card lists designated emergency meeting points for family members. It also provides a go-bag checklist, with items such as healthcare items, protective clothing, and valuables, as well as sublists for babies, elders, and pets. |
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| Keoni Everington Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-09-17 |
