UT to conduct mock drill today, 10-minute blackout at 7.30 pm
To strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance the coordination among emergency response agencies, the UT Administration will conduct a full-scale mock drill and a blackout for 10 minutes at 7.30 pm tomorrow. Amid escalation with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, the Central Government has decided to conduct mock drills at various places across the country.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav today convened a comprehensive review meeting with key stakeholders. The meeting was attended by SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, senior officers of the UT Administration, representatives of residents’ welfare associations and market welfare associations, 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 at 4 pm. “As part of the drill, air raid warning sirens will be activated across the city, in response of which complete blackout is to be voluntarily implemented by all residents of the city from 7.30 pm to 7.40 pm tomorrow,” said the DC.
During the blackout, citizens have been asked to stay home and turn off all indoor and outdoor lights. Those driving can park their vehicles on the roadside and turn off the lights. After 7.40 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.
The DC said the exercise would not apply to medical establishments. However, they should remain informed and alert.
Yadav said the exercise was a part of the Administration’s continued efforts to evaluate and enhance the efficacy of emergency response mechanisms in real-time situations. It would involve coordinated participation of multiple agencies, including the Fire and Emergency Services, the police, Health Department, the MC and the 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 DC asked public to extend their full cooperation during the mock drill. He requested the citizens to stay calm, avoid panic, and not believe or circulate any rumours regarding the mock drill activities. “The drill is purely a preparedness exercise and does not pose any real threat. Such mock drills shall be carried out in the coming days,” he said.
PUBLIC ADVISORY
Before the drill
Charge your phone and power bank the night before
Keep battery/solar powered flashlight/torch, valid ID card handy
Prepare a family emergency kit: water, dry food, basic medicines
Be aware of alerts
Learn siren signals (e.g. long continuous — alert, short — all-clear)
Stay tuned to radio/TV for official updates
Identify a secure interior room or basement as shelter
Practice family drills — switch of lights, gather in safe zone within 1-2 minutes
Note Emergency numbers (Police 112, Fire 101, Ambulance 120)
During the drill
Do not panic on hearing air raid sirens or announcements
Obey instructions from police, school authorities, or any government authority
Gather in the safe zone immediately
During blackout
Stay indoors and away from windows
If driving, park your vehicle on the roadside and turn off its lights
Turn off all indoor and outdoor lights during alerts
Switch off electrical appliances
Ensured 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 cardboard
Don’t spread unverified information on WhatsApp or social media
Chandigarh