Merkhav Mugan (Hebrew:מרחב מוגן,lit. 'protected space') is a reinforcedsecurity room required in all new buildings byIsraeli law.[1] AMerkhav Mugan is deemed preferable to abomb shelter, known as a "miklat" (Hebrew:מקלט,lit. 'shelter'), 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 impactprojectiles andchemical weapons.
A building inHaifa reinforced in accordance with Tama 38
Security rooms are based on a 1951 civil defense law that has undergone several revisions.[2] After Israel was attacked byScud missiles in theGulf War, theIsraeli Home Front Command established new guidelines forcivil 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 andbiological weapons. It has reinforced concrete walls and ceilings, 20–30 cm thick floors, and airtight steel doors and windows.[3][non-primary source needed]
Miklat Tzibury (מקלט ציבורי) – lit. public shelter, a partly underground facility, installed in residential areas. They are commonly used for community needs (clubs, education etc). Maintained by the local governance and Home Front. They are located in streets and near public facilities.[4]
Miklat BeBayit Meshutaf (מקלט בבית משותף) – lit. shelter in acondominium, a facility built into a building which has been declared as a condominium (commonly in alow-rise building) it includes all the facilities that a public shelter has, but is maintained by the building residents.
Merkhav Mugan Dirati (מרחב מוגן דירתי orממ״ד, "Mamad") – installed in residential apartments and private houses.
Building of fortified rooms Merhav Mugan Dirati inSderot as an addition to an existing building, for protection againstQassam rockets
Merkhav Mugan Komati (מרחב מוגן קומתי orממ״ק, "Mamak") – common floor space in apartment buildings in which there is noMerkhav Mugan Dirati in every apartment and in other multi-story buildings (mostly offices and industry).
Entrance of public shelter in Sderot, IsraelMerkhav Mugan Mosadi (מרחב מוגן מוסדי orממ״מ) – installed in every public structure.
In places where a standard shelter could not be constructed, a common alternative is a cement construct calledMigunit (מיגונית), lit. small shelter. It is intended to protect from bombs but not from earthquakes. The standard migunit has a rectangular body with an extra extended entrance.[5]
