Punjab is all set to carry out a statewide blackout mock drill on April 24 at 8 pm to check how prepared emergency services and the public are during a crisis and this exercise is being conducted on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The drill is a civil defence exercise to test how well different agencies respond during an emergency like an air raid or disaster and it will take place in all districts of Punjab at the same time.
The exercise will begin with a siren (high-low pitch) for 2 minutes which is going to signal the start of the mock drill and a blackout will then be carried out in selected areas and as per instructions people in those areas must switch off all non-essential lights. The drill will end with an “All Clear” siren (continuous sound for 2 minutes).
Do not panic as this is only a practice drill
Switch off lights during the blackout in your area
Do not use generators, inverters, torches, candles or matchsticks where instructed
Follow instructions given by local authorities
However it is also important to note that essential services like hospitals and emergency services will continue to work normally.
During the drill authorities will also practice:
Firefighting operations
Search and rescue
First aid and medical help
Evacuation of injured people
Traffic and crowd control
Officials have clearly said that this is a routine safety exercise to improve preparedness and people are requested to stay calm and support the administration by following instructions.
