National Desk: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, preparations for war sirens are now being made across the country. The Home Ministry has ordered all states to educate the general public on the identification of war sirens and emergency response through mock drills. Such preparations can not only save lives in a possible war situation, but also reduce panic among people.

What is the purpose of war sirens?

A loud siren is sounded during war so that common people can understand that danger is near. The main purpose behind this is:

• give an air raid warning
• Doing a Blackout Exercise
• To monitor civil defence preparedness
• Activating radio and air force networks
• Coordinating battle mode from the control room

How to recognize a war siren?

The war siren is completely different from the sound of a common horn or ambulance. Its characteristics are as follows:

• It plays at a loud volume of 120 to 140 decibels
• This sound can be heard up to 2 to 5 kilometers away
• Its sound is very loud and sharp in the same rhythm
• This is different from the normal disaster alert or ambulance sound
• Its purpose is to alert people immediately

What should one do if the war siren sounds?

If the war siren sounds, first of all, one needs to be cautious and sensible, not panic. As per the guidelines of the Home Ministry, as soon as one hears the siren, one should immediately move from open spaces to a safe place and if possible, reach the safe location within 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, do not pay attention to any kind of rumours and do not spread them. It is important to listen carefully to the government instructions coming on TV and radio because this information will help you in further action. If you are in a building, take shelter in the basement of the building or a safe shelter. Also, give priority to children, elderly and women and secure them first. In case of war or air strike, public transport may stop, so avoid driving yourself unless necessary and maintain patience. In such situations, peace and awareness are the biggest protection.

How are preparations being made across the country?

Following the instructions from the Home Ministry, the process of conducting mock drills and sounding war sirens has now started in the states:

• War siren sounded at Antony D'Silva High School in Dadar, Mumbai
• A mock drill was also conducted near Dal Lake in Srinagar
• Plan to conduct war drills on May 7 in several states including Gujarat
• State governments are running special programs in schools, colleges and offices to make people aware

Why is it important to know about war sirens?

Many times when an emergency situation occurs, people are unable to understand why the siren is sounding. To remove this confusion, it is important to identify the war siren. This will:

• People can respond quickly
• An atmosphere of panic and fear is not created
• Increases collaboration between government agencies and citizens
• loss of life and property can be reduced

Preparing for peace in anticipation of war

Although there has been no official declaration of war yet, preparations are made to maintain peace. War sirens and mock drills are just a signal to be alert about the possibilities. In such a situation, it is the responsibility of the general public to take these exercises seriously and prepare to keep themselves and their families safe.

PC:Punjab Kesari