A. Firstly, it must be pointed out that not everything that we may think involves ‘Pikuach Nefesh’ (a situation of danger that justifies overlooking the laws of Shabbat) is really in that category. For this reason each case must be clarified individually. In cases where there is such danger involved, in which case one is not only allowed to desecrate Shabbat laws, but is OBLIGATED to do so, the law is as follows:If there are things which do not have to be done on Shabbat in order to deal with the danger, then they should not be done. If there are preparations that it is possible to do before Shabbat, they should be done. For example, if there will be a need to use a computer but it can be turned on and left on before Shabbat, this is the preferable course of action. If there are things which it is not necessary to record on the computer in order to avoid danger, then they should not be recorded. It is important to note however, that if there is any doubt at all about whether or not a certain action is necessary in order to avoid danger, then it should be carried out without hesitation.
