Basements and parking lots to be converted into shelters in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan has approved a new standard regulating the arrangement of shelters for the population in case of emergencies. The document applies to basements, underground parking facilities and other below-ground spaces, citing the Ministry of Trade and Integration.

The new standard came into force on January 1, 2026. It sets requirements for adapting various underground spaces to protect citizens during natural, man-made and military emergencies.

Unified requirements for shelters

The document was developed as part of the National Standardization Plan at the request of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. According to the Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology, the goal of the initiative is to improve safety and preparedness for emergencies.

Officials noted that such practices are widely used worldwide, where basements, ground floors, underground passages and metro systems are adapted for civil protection. In Kazakhstan, similar spaces will also be converted into protective shelters.

The new standard eliminates previous gaps in regulations and introduces a unified approach to shelter creation. It regulates building inspections and procedures for their conversion.

Requirements for conditions and structures

The document outlines requirements for layout and structural elements. Special attention is given to life-support systems, including ventilation, water supply, electricity, sanitation and communication.

It also defines procedures for assessing the technical condition of buildings, including inspections of load-bearing structures and engineering systems.

If necessary, reinforcement of structures and conversion of premises is предусмотрено. The standard includes typical solutions and a suitability assessment table for shelters.

Risk considerations and proposals

The project was coordinated with several government bodies and профильные organizations. During discussions, proposals were added to account for climatic, geographical and seismic особенностей of different regions.

Additionally, the developers included measures for protection against drones and the introduction of automated systems to provide public access to shelters.