Mamad Maintenance — Complete Annual Checklist

Mamad Maintenance — Annual Checklist

An unmaintained mamad is a mamad that will not protect you when you need it. According to Home Front Command data, approximately 30% of mamads in Israel fail to meet required sealing standards due to lack of routine maintenance. A simple annual check can ensure your mamad is 100% ready the moment you need it.

This guide details every inspection you should perform, step by step, in accordance with Israeli Standard 4910 and Home Front Command guidelines.

Step 1: Inspect the Door

The mamad door is the first line of defense. It must close fully and seal airtight.

What to Check

• Hinges — open and close the door 3-4 times. It should move freely without squeaking
• Lubrication — lubricate the hinges with machine oil or WD-40. Repeat twice a year
• Locking bolts — turn each locking bolt (typically 4-6 bolts). Ensure they fully enter the recesses in the wall
• Handle — verify the handle turns smoothly and locks properly
• Deformation — visually inspect for warping, rust, or physical damage to the frame or door

Warning Signs

If the door does not close completely, or if the bolts do not fully engage with the wall recesses, professional repair is needed. Never ignore a door problem.

Step 2: Check the Rubber Gaskets

The rubber gaskets around the door are what make the mamad airtight against gases.

What to Check

• Flexibility — press the gasket with your finger. It should spring back immediately. If it is hard, crumbling, or flat, replace it
• Continuity — inspect the entire perimeter of the door and ensure there are no tears, cracks, or missing sections
• Cleanliness — wipe the gaskets with a damp cloth. Dust and dirt reduce sealing effectiveness

Replacement Frequency

Rubber gaskets degrade on average every 5-7 years. In extreme heat conditions (Negev, Jordan Valley), every 3-4 years. Replacement cost: 200-500 NIS (~$55-140).

Step 3: Inspect the Window and Shutter

Window

• Verify the armored glass is intact — no cracks or chips
• Check the rubber gaskets around the window (same as the door)
• Clean the window and inspect the steel frame

Steel Shutter

• Close the shutter completely and verify it locks in place
• Lubricate the closing mechanism
• Check for rust. If present, sand it down and apply anti-rust paint

Step 4: Check the Filtration System

NBC Filter

• Expiration date — check the date on the filter body. An expired filter will not protect you
• Packaging integrity — if the filter is still sealed, ensure the packaging is intact and not punctured
• Connection — mount the filter on the ventilation port and verify the connection is tight

Blower

• Operate the manual blower — ensure it rotates freely
• If you have an electric blower, verify it works and the electrical connection is sound

Step 5: Check Drainage and Infrastructure

• Wall cracks — inspect walls and ceiling for cracks. Cracks reduce airtightness
• Floor drain — if there is a drain point, ensure it is open and not blocked
• Electrical outlets — test outlets and lighting in the mamad
• Water tap — if present, verify it works (not all mamads include a tap)

Step 6: Clear and Organize

Many mamads serve as everyday storage rooms. Make sure yours can be cleared within minutes.

What to Do

• Remove heavy furniture that cannot be moved quickly
• Do not block the door or window with cabinets
• Keep a clear access path to the door at all times
• Store items on wheels or in lightweight containers that can be moved fast

Step 7: Family Drill

Physical maintenance is not enough — your family needs to know how to use the mamad.

What to Practice

• Closing the door and locking all bolts — target: 60 seconds
• Closing the window shutter
• Mounting the NBC filter (if not permanently installed)
• Operating the blower
• Locating the emergency kit and flashlight

Practice at least once a year, ideally alongside the Home Front Command national drill.

Recommended Schedule

Task	Frequency
Lubricate door and hinges	Every 6 months
Check rubber gaskets	Once a year
Check NBC filter	Once a year
Replace gaskets	Every 5-7 years
Replace NBC filter	Every 5-10 years
Inspect shutter	Once a year
Family drill	Once a year
Refresh emergency supplies	Every 6 months

When to Call a Professional

• Door does not close properly
• Cracks in the concrete walls
• Extensive rust on the door or shutter
• NBC filter is damaged or expired and you cannot replace it yourself
• Drainage issues or leaks

Average cost of a mamad technician visit: 300-800 NIS (~$80-220).

References

• Israeli Standard 4910 — maintenance requirements for protected spaces
• Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) — mamad preparation and maintenance guidelines
• Planning and Building Law, 1992 — resident responsibility for mamad maintenance