TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Buildings with air raid shelters will be subject to mandatory public safety inspections starting next week, announced the Ministry of Interior on Monday.

The ministry said that, in keeping with a directive from the National Security Council, air raid shelters attached to buildings will be incorporated into public safety inspections and reporting requirements starting July 1, per CNA. The goal is to enhance the safety of these facilities and support evacuation drills conducted by police agencies to improve the public’s crisis response capabilities.

The current phase applies to venues that can accommodate more than 500 people. For these facilities, entrance and exit routes must remain clear, free of standing water, and not obstruct evacuation, and the facilities must be equipped with basic lighting. 

In the event of an air defense drill or actual or imminent war, people will be permitted to enter these shelters after the Ministry of National Defense issues an evacuation order.

Cases that fail to meet standards will be referred to the police under Article 9 of the air raid shelter registration guidelines. Breaches of the Condominium Administration Act or the Building Act will be dealt with under the law.