Short answer. Peru has no network of public protective shelters. The official model is a set of internal and external "safe zones", evacuation routes and meeting points that each family identifies in advance 1. After a disaster, the authorities set up temporary albergues: tent camps, prefabricated modules or qualified public buildings 3. For tsunamis and floods, the safe zones are high ground 1.
Does Peru have bomb or fallout shelters?
No public network of protective shelters exists, and no official count is published. Peru's civil preparedness is built around earthquakes, tsunamis and floods: INDECI's Family Emergency Plan workbook asks families to know where to protect themselves inside the home, where to go outside, and how to get there 1.
What is a safe zone?
INDECI distinguishes two kinds 1:
- Internal safe zone: a place inside your home near columns and beams and away from glass, where you protect yourself if you cannot get out.
- External safe zone: an open place outside, away from objects that could fall.
The workbook also asks families to mark their evacuation routes and a neighbourhood meeting point 1. For tsunamis and floods it is explicit: "Importante: en caso de tsunami e inundaciones, las zonas seguras son las zonas altas" (important: in case of tsunami and floods, the safe zones are high ground) 1.
How do I find my meeting point?
Work it out with your family using INDECI's workbook 1. On the coast, the SASPe earthquake sirens are paired with meeting-point signs in 114 coastal districts 2. When a siren sounds, the official instruction is to go to the meeting point nearest the sirens once the shaking has stopped 2. See our Peru alerts page.
What are albergues?
Albergues are temporary shelters set up after a disaster, not protective shelters. INDECI's 2006 protocol describes two types 3:
| Type | What it is |
|---|---|
| Field camp | Family tents or prefabricated modules |
| Building | Duly qualified public facilities |
Albergues are sited in areas not vulnerable to disasters 3. Their locations for a given emergency are published in INDECI emergency reports and by the local municipality 13.
What should I do instead of looking for a shelter?
Prepare your family plan: choose your internal and external safe zones, your evacuation route and your meeting point, and keep the Survival Combo ready 1. Our guides on shelter or evacuate, earthquake preparedness, tsunami and flood preparedness cover the decisions involved. For the supplies, see emergency supplies in Peru.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official map of shelters in Peru?
No national shelter map is published, because there is no public shelter network 1. Albergue locations are announced per emergency by INDECI and the municipality 3.
Where should I go during a tsunami warning?
To high ground: INDECI says the safe zones for tsunamis and floods are the high zones 1. Learn the difference between a tsunami alert and an alarm on our alerts page.
Can I go to an albergue straight away?
Albergues are installed by the authorities after a disaster, for people who need temporary housing 3. Follow the instructions of INDECI and your municipality.
Do I need my own shelter in Peru?
Peru publishes no rules for private shelters; the official guidance stops at safe zones in the home 1. See building a shelter.
Sources
- Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) — Cuaderno de Trabajo: Plan Familiar de Emergencia "La Seguridad Empieza en Casa" - Aprendiendo el IUEAO de una familia preparada — https://cdn.www.gob.pe/uploads/document/file/1424484/Plan%20Familiar%20de%20Emergencia%20(accesible).pdf.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) — Sistema de Alerta Sísmica Peruano - SASPe — https://www.gob.pe/institucion/indeci/campa%C3%B1as/4943-sistema-de-alerta-sismica-peruano-saspe (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI), Dirección Nacional de Operaciones — Protocolo para instalación de albergues — https://portal.indeci.gob.pe/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Protocolo-de-Albergues.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Peru, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) · Cuaderno de Trabajo: Plan Familiar de Emergencia "La Seguridad Empieza en Casa" - Aprendiendo el IUEAO de una familia preparada checked 2026-10-20
- Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI) · Sistema de Alerta Sísmica Peruano - SASPe checked 2026-10-20
- Instituto Nacional de Defensa Civil (INDECI), Dirección Nacional de Operaciones · Protocolo para instalación de albergues checked 2026-10-20