What to expect during the May 7 mock drill?

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered mock drills to be conducted in 244 districts on May 7 to assess effective civil defence. The development came as security has been tightened in the country following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

The exercise aims at training civilians in protective civil defence protocols by implementing crash blackout procedures and camouflaging critical infrastructure.

This is the first exercise of its kind since 1971, when India and Pakistan were at war. A mock drill is a practice operation designed to simulate an emergency, allowing people to rehearse their responses in a controlled and safe environment. The aim is to help the public better understand their responsibilities and actions in the event of a real emergency.

During the drill, security forces might simulate a war-like situation, and some areas could experience temporary power outages or communication disruptions. It may also include activities such as evacuating buildings, providing first-aid, or following lockdown protocols.

What will happen during the mock drill?

• The drill aims to assess effectiveness of air raid sirens in alerting people about threats.
• It aims to train civilians to respond quickly during hostile attacks through basic civil defence techniques.
• It will test the hotline/radio communication links of civil authorities with the IAF.
• It will test performance of control rooms and shadow rooms during emergencies.
• The drill will include crash blackout exercises to simulate war-like conditions.
• The preparedness of rescue teams and firefighters will be tested. Evacuation plans will also be rehearsed to move people from danger zones to safer areas.
• Civilians will be trained to provide basic first-aid, handling firefighting equipment, etc.

Chandigarh will also be a part of the drill.

Public is urged to ensure the following before the drill on Wednesday:

• Avoid restricted areas cordoned off for the exercise.
• Keep basic items/emergency supplies such as battery/solar powered flashlight/torch, radios, valid ID card, emergency kit, water, dry food, basic medicines, etc ready.
• The most important thing is to stay calm. Even if sirens sound or blackout measures are implemented, do not panic.
• Learn siren signals (eg long continuous= alert: short= all-clear); stay tuned to radio/TV for official updates.
• Follow instructions given by police, civil defence personnel, or volunteers during the drill.
• Charge your phone and power bank the night before.
• Note Emergency numbers:

1. Police: 112
2. Fire: 101
3. Ambulance: 120

• Do not use lift from 7 to 8 pm. De-activate the lifts so that during blackout.

During the drill:

1. Do not panic if you hear air raid sirens, obey instructions from authorities, gather in the safe zone immediately.
2. During blackout:

• Stay indoors and away from windows. If you are driving, then park your vehicle and turn off the lights.
• Turn off all indoor and outdoor lights during alerts.
• Shut off gas/electric appliances when blackout is announced/sirens activated.
•  Avoid use of phones or LED devices near windows.
• Use thick curtains or cover windows with cardboards/panels.

This mock drill exercise does not apply to medical establishments, i.e. hospitals and nursing homes.

Planned across several districts, these drills will help in ensuring preparedness during a real emergency. The authorities will then be able to review the problems encountered by civilians in such situations and make possible improvements.