When the sirens start, you need a plan that works without thinking too much. Air raid drills may sound like something from a movie, but they’re just practical steps to protect yourself and family. This guide breaks down what to do, what to keep ready, and how to practice so you won’t panic when the time comes.
First, pick a room that’s low on windows and has solid walls – a basement, a walk‑in closet, or an interior hallway works best. Fill any gaps with heavy furniture or sandbags to block shrapnel. If you don’t have a basement, choose a corner away from glass and set up a sturdy table or mattress as a makeshift shelter. The key is to create a spot where you can stay low and covered for at least 30 minutes.
Seal the area with rolled‑up blankets or a tarpaulin to keep dust out. Keep a flashlight, a whistle, and a basic first‑aid kit inside the shelter. Even a simple radio that runs on batteries can tell you when it’s safe to come out.
Think of a grab‑and‑go bag for every family member. Include water (at least one liter per person per day), non‑perishable food, a multi‑tool, and any prescription meds. Add a spare set of clothes, a sturdy pair of shoes, and copies of important documents in a waterproof pouch. Don’t forget a small battery‑powered radio, extra batteries, and a charged power bank for phones.
For kids, add a comfort item like a favorite toy or book. Having familiar things can calm nerves while you wait for the danger to pass.
Learn the sound of your local air‑raid siren – it’s usually a steady wail that lasts a minute or more. When you hear it, stop what you’re doing, move to your safe space, and close doors behind you. Practice this routine at least once a month so everybody knows the route.
During drills, count the time it takes to reach the shelter and make adjustments if it’s too long. Use a timer to simulate the siren and practice staying calm for 5, 10, and 30‑minute intervals. The more you repeat the steps, the quicker and smoother the real response will be.
1. Identify your shelter spot and clear it of clutter.
2. Keep a flashlight, whistle, and radio in the shelter.
3. Store a grab‑and‑go kit near the entrance.
4. Teach every family member the siren sound and route.
5. Run a short drill once a month and tweak the plan as needed.
Being ready doesn’t mean you’re living in fear – it just means you’ve taken a few easy steps to protect what matters. Keep the kit fresh, review the plan yearly, and you’ll feel confident that you can handle an air‑raid alert if it ever comes your way.
Operation Shield, a major civil defence drill set for May 29 in India’s border states and Chandigarh, has been postponed. The exercise was designed to gauge responses to air raids and missile threats. Punjab may hold the drill on June 3. The move follows cross-border clashes and military action in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.