Returning Home: A Safety Checklist for Families and Students

The 72-hour ceasefire observation is a hopeful sign, but as Defense Minister Tea Seiha noted, the safe return of civilians is the true test of stability. Before you pack your belongings and head back to your village, please follow this verified safety protocol.

1. Before You Leave the Camp

Wait for Official Orders: Do not return until the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) or local provincial authorities issue a "Green Status" for your specific district.
Check Road Status: Avoid secondary roads or shortcuts. Stick to paved main roads, as secondary paths may not have been cleared of recent debris or mines.
Inform Authorities: Let your village chief or camp manager know you are leaving so they can track the population movement.

2. The "3Rs" of Explosive Safety

With the use of heavy artillery and airstrikes in Battambang and Banteay Meanchey, the threat of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)—shells that landed but didn't explode—is high.

Recognize: Look for unusual objects: metallic cylinders, "pineapples" (grenades), or wires sticking out of the ground.
Retreat: If you see something suspicious, do not touch it. Retrace your steps exactly as you came.
Report: Mark the area from a distance (use a piece of cloth or a branch) and report it to the nearest police or Cambodian Self Help Demining (CSHD) team.

3. Inspecting Your Property

When you arrive at your home, do not rush inside. Perform a "Circular Inspection":

External Scan: Walk slowly around the perimeter of your house. Look for holes in the roof or walls that indicate a strike.
Vegetation Check: Be extremely cautious in overgrown gardens or rice fields. The conflict may have unearthed old mines or left new unexploded shells hidden in the grass.
Interior Hazards: Check for structural damage before entering. If a shell has hit the building, the structure may be unstable and prone to collapse.

4. Health and Sanitation

Water Safety: Do not drink from open wells until they have been tested or treated. Shelling can contaminate groundwater with toxic chemicals.
Food Supplies: Any food left behind during the evacuation should be discarded if it shows signs of pests or spoilage.
Medical Kits: Ensure you have basic first-aid supplies. If anyone in your family is showing signs of extreme stress or "Startle Response" (trauma from the airstrikes), seek help at a local health center.

5. Returning to School

The Ministry of Education will announce the reopening of the 883 closed schools once they are cleared by demining teams.

Ask the Teacher: Before sending children back, confirm with the school principal that a "Clearance Certificate" has been issued for the playground and surrounding area.
Student Education: Remind children: "If you didn't drop it, don't pick it up."

Emergency Contact: If you find a suspicious object, call your local authorities or the NCDM hotline immediately.

Verified by humanitarian guidelines for conflict recovery. Last Updated: December 28, 2025.