Lviv has been placed on emergency standby. The move comes amid forecasts of a significant drop in temperatures and the threat of Russian attacks on critical infrastructure during the cold spell.
Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi announced the measures.
According to the mayor, meteorologists are predicting severe frosts over the weekend, with temperatures expected to drop lower than in recent days. City officials fear the enemy may attempt to exploit the weather conditions to launch attacks on the energy grid.
"It is not my job to predict missile strikes or comment on loud statements about an 'energy truce.' What I know for sure is that meteorologists are forecasting severe frost this weekend. Given the nature of our enemy, they may take advantage of this to attempt strikes on our cities' critical infrastructure," Sadovyi noted.
Consequently, municipal services have been put on high alert. Residents have also been urged to prepare for potential power and heating outages.
City Hall has released a list of recommendations for Lviv residents:
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check the condition of the nearest shelter;
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charge power banks and charging stations (do not leave them unattended);
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stock up on water, food, and medicine;
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check if elderly neighbors or people with disabilities need assistance.
The mayor also issued a specific technical request regarding heating systems.
"In the event of a temporary heating cutoff, do not drain water from the radiators until you receive a specific instruction to do so from the person responsible for your building," the mayor emphasized.
The city has prepared "Points of Invincibility" [emergency shelters]. Information about the nearest points and available services will be posted in building entrance areas and resident chat groups should the electricity go out.
"I am not writing this to spread panic. This is a conversation with adults about a scenario we have all long been prepared for," Sadovyi concluded.
