In late July, Lithuania recorded an incident in which a drone entered its airspace from Belarus. It was sighted over the Gaižiūnai training area, where it was eventually recovered after several days of searching. Some residents reported hearing it, others saw it, filmed it and shared the footage on social media. Police said they received only a handful of reports. Experts stress that in such situations, knowing how to respond is crucial.
The first steps
Speaking to LRT Radio, Ernestas Trunovas of the Fire and Rescue Department’s Civil Protection Board said that it is important to develop certain safety habits.
“If you see something suspicious in the sky, do not approach it, do not try to film it up close, and certainly do not touch it. Your first step should be to call the emergency services on 112,” Trunovas said.
He emphasised that even if there is no official warning, anyone noticing an unusual aerial object should assess the situation and act responsibly.
“If you can film it safely, do so – but do not share the footage publicly, especially if it contains location details or coordinates. That information is necessary for our security services – not social media, and certainly not hostile states,” he added.
How to tell if a drone is dangerous?
Drone specialist Povilas Stankūnas explained that unmanned aerial vehicles come in many forms – from those used for search and rescue or recording, to military-grade models.
“Most people can’t identify the type just by sight or sound. There are quadcopters, with four or more rotors, usually for shorter ranges, and fixed-wing types, for longer flights. But knowing whether one is dangerous is very difficult,” he said.
He warned against taking matters into your own hands, such as attempting to shoot down a drone.
“There was a case where someone fired at a search-and-rescue drone thinking it was a threat. That was reckless and dangerous,” he noted.
When to take cover – and where?
If an official warning is issued about a dangerous flying object, it is vital to seek shelter. Trunovas advised against panic and urged people to act calmly but decisively.
“If you’re indoors, move to an internal room without windows – a corridor or bathroom. If you’re outside, look for a solid building or structure to hide behind. A car can be a temporary option if there’s nothing else, but it is not always safe,” he explained.
In forests or open areas, sheltering under dense trees can offer temporary protection – but the safest option is to leave the open area quickly.
Are such drones actually dangerous?
Experts say the risk depends on the drone’s payload. Some may be used solely for surveillance or testing, but even those could be modified to carry explosives.
“The danger depends on how much explosive it can carry. The heavier the payload, the shorter the flight range. If it’s flying a long distance, it’s likely carrying little or no explosive,” Stankūnas said.
Safe distance?
There is no precise figure, but experts suggest following a soldier’s rule of thumb: “If you can see the explosive, it can see you.” The safest course is to stay at least several dozen metres away.
How to avoid panic?
According to Trunovas, the key is to know what to do and stick to simple rules.
“In unexpected situations, it’s important not to lose your head or act impulsively. By knowing how to behave, you not only protect yourself but also help the authorities. And if you find a fallen object, do not touch it – move away to a safe distance,” he reminded.
Key points to remember:
✔️ Do not approach the drone
✔️ Do not post exact location details online
✔️ Do not take unauthorised action
✔️ Call 112
✔️ Seek safe shelter
✔️ Stay calm, but act quickly
Every citizen’s responsible behaviour can have a direct impact on national security. If you see a suspicious drone – act responsibly and notify the authorities.
Prepared by Indrė Gurskienė
