Mock Drill in India Today: Top 10 Dos And Don’ts During Civil Defence Exercise on May 7

Mock Drill in India: District authorities, security forces, and local administration will remain on alert on Wednesday as the Civil Defence Exercise and Rehearsal is set to be carried out in over 244 categorised Civil Defence Districts of India.

The mockdrill will asses the efficacy of air raid warning systems, operationalisation of Hotline or Radio Communication Links with Indian Air Force. It will also include the training of civilians, blackouts and evacuation exercises.

The mock drill will be held in more than 200 districts, which are identified by the government as Civil Defence Districts of India. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday released the complete list of 244 districts where the mock drills will be carried out. The drills will also mark the first national-level civil defence preparedness activity since the 1971 Indo-Pak war and will simulate wartime scenarios.

Mock Drill in India Today: Do's And Don'ts To Follow On May 7

The MHA, in its notice, has urged citizens to stay alert during the mock drills and has also asked them not to panic due to situations like blackouts, network disconnect, sirens, etc. Aligning with MHA orders, several district administrations and local authorities have also issued advisories and directions for local people related to mock drills. Here are the top do's and don'ts people should follow during mock drill session in India on Wednesday.

As per official orders, air raid warning sirens will be activated in Chandigar at 7:30 pm, which will be immediately followed by complete blackout. In Gurgaon and Delhi, mock drill will start at 4 pm on Wednesday with loud siren sound. Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, there will be a complete activation of sirens in the entire city at 4 pm on Wednesday as part of the mock drill. Apart from these cities, residents of other districts must connect with their nearest police station or other official authorities to know information about mock drills.

Mock Drill In India: Top Do's

-Stay aware of the directions and orders issued by local authorities. If you have any doubts, contact your nearest police station for information.

-Keep basic items ready like flashlight, torch, water bottles, valid ID card, etc before the mock drill. Keep your phones charged and make sure to note down emergency contact numbers of police, fire and ambulance, noted Chandigarh Administration in its public advisory for mock drill session.

-If you see a complete blackout during the day, there are chances that it is a part of the drill. For such situation, Chandigarh administration has advised locals to stay indoors and away from windows. People facing the situation while driving must park their vehicles on the side and turn off the lights.

-During blackouts, turn off your house's lights and even disconnect the inverter and alternative power sources.

-Cooperate with local authorities and volunteers and avoid using services like lift during the mock drill period.

-People can resume their normal activities once the drill is over. Residents in metro cities like Chandigarh, Gurgaon or Hyderabad, can share their feedback with local residential welfare authorities (RWA) or local authorities.

-Familiarise yourself with the sounds of the air-raid siren so that you can understand the signal. According to the Delhi government's advisory, long wails of sirens are for alerts, and short bursts indicate all-clear. If you hear any of the types of siren on Wednesday act accordingly.

Mock Drill in India: Precautions and Preventions

-It is important to keep in mind that it just an exercise or a drill, hence do not panic. Rather stay aware and alert throughout the drill session.

-Do not spread any false information on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.

-Avoid sharing sensitive information about mock drill or about local facilities on social media, advised Delhi government in a public advisory, reported PTI.