In view of strengthening disaster preparedness and enhancing the coordination among emergency response agencies, Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, UT, Chandigarh, convened a comprehensive review meeting with key stakeholders today.
The meeting was attended by Kanwardeep Kaur, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, representatives of Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWA) and other associations.The meeting focused on the execution plan and logistical preparedness for a full-scale mock drill for building collapse and fire incident at two locations in Chandigarh.
As part of the drill, at 7:30 PM on 7 May, Air Raid Warning Sirens will be activated across the city, in response of which complete blackout is to be voluntarily implemented by all the residents of the city from 7:30 PM to 7:40 PM (for 10 minutes).
During the blackout, citizens are requested to stay at homes and turn off all indoor and outdoor lights. If they are driving, then they park their vehicle on the road side and turn off the lights. After 07:40 PM, normal/routine activities may be carried out by citizens.
The blackout will be conducted in a controlled and supervised manner to assess the response and adaptability of emergency services.It is further clarified that this mock drill exercise does not apply to medical establishments i.e. hospitals and nursing homes and no action is required on their part. However, they shall remain informed and alert.This exercise is a part of the Administration’s continued efforts to evaluate and enhance the efficacy of emergency response mechanisms in real-time situations. It will involve coordinated participation from multiple agencies including the Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Health Department, Municipal Corporation, and Disaster Management authorities. In addition, trained volunteers from the Civil Defence, National Service Scheme (NSS), and National Cadet Corps (NCC) will play an active role in the mock scenarios.The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to the general public to extend their full cooperation during the mock drill.
Citizens are requested to stay calm, avoid panic, and not believe or circulate any rumours regarding the activities on that day. The drill is purely a preparedness exercise and does not pose any real threat. Such mock drills shall be carried out in coming days.The Administration has ensured that all safety protocols will be strictly followed during the simulation. Dedicated helpline numbers will remain active for public queries and support throughout the drill.
The Chandigarh Administration reiterates its commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents and urges everyone to contribute positively to this important preparedness initiative.
CHANDIGARH MOCK DRILL –
Civil Defense Mock Drill, public is urged to ensure following:
Before the Drill:-
Charge your phone and power bank the night before.-
Keep basic items / emergency supplies ready: Battery/solar powered Flashlight/torch, radios, glow sticks• Valid ID card
Prepare a family emergency kit: water, dry food, basic medicines.-Awareness of Alerts:
Learn siren signals (e.g. long continuous= alert: short= all-clear)
Stay tuned to radio/TV for official updates (e.g AIR, Doordarshan)-Safe zone Readiness:• Identify a secure interior room or basement as shelter.
Practice family drills: lights off, gather in safe zone within 1-2 minutes.
Note Emergency numbers:• -Police: 112• -Fire: 101• -Ambulance: 120
Do not use lift from 7 to 8 pm.
De-activate the lifts so that during blackout there is no inconvenience.-Inform/prepare the elderly persons/ children in advance.
During the Drill:-
Do not panic if you hear air raid sirens or announcements – “it’s a drill”.- Obey instructions from police, school authorities, or building security or any otherGovernment authority-Gather in the safe zone immediately.
During Blackout: Stay indoors and away from windows. If you are driving, then park yourvehicle on the side and turn off the lights. Stay wherever you are and donot move here and there.
Turn off all indoor and outdoor lights during alerts including disconnecting the inverter or alternative power supply.
Shut off gas/electric appliances when blackout is announced/sirens activated.• It shall be ensured that Children, elderly people and pets are supervised all the time
Avoid use of phones or LED devices near windows.
Use thick curtains or cover windows with cardboards/panels.
Don’t spread unverified information on WhatsApp or social media.- After the Drill- Resume normal activity unless instructed otherwise.- Share your feedback with you local RWA or administration.- Talk to kids or elderly around you – reassure them it was just a preparednessmeasure.NOTE: This mock drill exercise does not apply to medical establishments, i.e. hospitals and nursing homes. However, they shall cover all the windows with thick curtains during the drilland remain alert.The drill aims to prepare the civilian population for any exigency and reduce the potential of mass panic during such dire situation.
