The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has published its latest set of public safety guidelines, this time focused on what citizens and residents should do during a power outage. It is part of a broader series of awareness campaigns the MOI has been rolling out since the regional conflict began nearly a month ago.
These are routine preparedness guidelines rather than a response to any specific incident. There has been no major disruption to Bahrain’s power supply, and daily life across the island continues as normal. But with threats to energy infrastructure reported across the wider region, the MOI is encouraging residents to think ahead and stay prepared. “Preparedness does not mean fear; it is the mindset of the confident,” the Ministry said.
Since the conflict started, Bahrain’s Defence Force has intercepted 301 drones and 153 missiles directed at the Kingdom. That is a significant operational effort, focused on ensuring the safety of all citizens and residents.
While threats to power stations, financial institutions, and energy infrastructure have been reported across the region, Bahrain’s security authorities have so far ensured that none of those threats has translated into major disruption on the ground. The MOI’s latest guidelines sit within that context. They are not a signal that something has changed. They are part of an ongoing effort to make sure people know what to do if it ever does.
If there is a cut in electricity, the MOI advises the following.
Remain calm, stay inside, and only go out if it is genuinely necessary. Power outages can be confusing, particularly at night, and staying put reduces risk.
Anyone using a backup generator should make sure it is placed outside and never operated indoors or in any enclosed space. Generator fumes contain carbon monoxide, which is odourless and can be very harmful in confined areas. This applies to garages, partially enclosed carports, and indoor rooms alike.
Flashlights powered by batteries are the safest option. If candles are the only alternative, the guidelines advise placing them well away from curtains, fabrics, or any flammable materials. Candles should never be left unattended, particularly in homes with children.
Good airflow matters during an outage, especially if it’s warm inside and the air conditioning is not working. Open windows where safe to do so and avoid sealing up the home entirely.
The guidelines recommend keeping a basic emergency kit ready at home. It should include drinking water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and spare batteries. Most of these items are already found in the average household, so it is more about gathering them in one accessible place than buying anything new.
Phone battery life becomes critical during any outage. The guidelines advise keeping devices charged as much as possible during normal conditions and having backup charging options available. A car charger or portable power bank will cover most situations.
For those using a car to charge phones or devices, the same ventilation rule applies. Do not leave a vehicle running in a garage or any partially enclosed space.
A full tank means you are ready to move if needed and gives you a reliable power source for charging devices. It is a small habit that removes one variable from an already unpredictable situation.
The MOI directs residents to the National Civil Protection Platform for the full set of public safety guidelines covering emergencies. It is the central resource for official guidance and is updated as new advisories are issued.
For residents who have been following the MOI’s series of guides over the past few weeks, this latest addition fits the same pattern. It is not about the alarm. It is about making sure that if something does happen, nobody is caught without a plan.
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