In Jelgava, Latvia, a new shelter has been established within a repurposed building that dates back to 1957. Originally constructed by prisoners of war as a secret facility, it was misrepresented as a school in documentation, but was actually designed for a military hospital serving senior commanding officers. Today, the repurposed basement now functions as the first fully equipped shelter in the city, boasting a substantial area of 164 square meters.

The newly created shelter includes essential amenities such as two restrooms, hot water, and a ventilation system to ensure safe air supply in emergencies. Linards Sisenis, the financial pro-rector of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, explains that larger spaces have been modified for potential occupants, including technical rooms that provide additional restrooms and shower facilities. This shelter prioritizes the comfort and well-being of its users during emergencies.

Moreover, the shelter is equipped with autonomous electricity, ventilation, and water supply systems, enabling people to stay for extended periods. It includes an electrical distribution control panel that ensures that a generator automatically kicks in if the external power supply fails, thus ensuring uninterrupted power availability. This development marks a significant step towards improving community resilience in Jelgava, providing citizens with a safe refuge in times of crisis.