Mock drill across country with blackouts, air raid sirens today

As part of a nationwide preparedness initiative, the Central Government will conduct a large-scale mock drill in 244 districts in 9 states and Union Territories on Wednesday (May 7), focussing on public response to emergency scenarios like air raids.

- 

Public response to air raid warning sirens, steps to take during blackout and evacuation strategies are likely to be among a host of instructions that will be given to citizens during a mock drill in 244 identified civil defence districts on Wednesday to practice response to a ‘hostile attack’, an official said.

During the mock drills, the government sources said that it will assess the effectiveness of the air raid warning systems, check the hotline and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force.

Authorities will also see the functionality of control rooms and shadow rooms, hold training of civilians, including students on civil, defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack, implement crash blackout measures and early camouflage for key installations.

The working and response of Civil Defence Services, including warden services, firefighting, rescue operations and depot oo and assess the preparedness of evacuation plans and their execution will also be verified during the drill.