EMERGENCY PLANS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 195, 19 December 1941, Page 5

EMERGENCY PLANS

MEETING OF COMMITTEE

LEADERS

PREPARATIONS FURTHERED

URGENT NEED FOR PERSONNEL

Since the entry of Jiapan into the war Emergency Precautions Scheme plans in the Borough have been pursued with redoubled vigour and, despite the difficulty found ini enrolling sufficient -personnel, the Controller, Mr B. S. Barry, andi his assistants have rapidly formulated plans for meeting ani emergency. On Wednesday night men ill charge of the various units met at the Borough Council Chambers to report progress. Each had his plan wel 1 formulated , but in every case lack of personnel was the cause of concern. The Controller once more emphasised the urgency for more citizens of both sexes and of all ages to come forward and "pull their weight." The Mayor continued that the instructions held that residents of the Borough should not evacuate in the event of an enemy action —roads would have to be kept clear, and thus he had formulated plans along such lines. Air Raid Trenches He had telegraphed Wellington seking instructions regarding the provision of trench air raid shelters, the reply being that the local officers could use their own discretion taking into consideration any na 1 tural shelter available. After due consideration he had formed the opinion that there was no need for publi-c shelters, but every encouragement would be given those who wished to> dig private trenches. The Council would provide plans: and give any advice while tlie engineer's experience would be available.

Near the town there was a fair amount of natural shelter —the Hillcrest cutting, Maraetotara Gorge and other protection afforded by thfi nature of the country. Notification of Public In the event of danger threatening the alarm would, be given in the case of the fire siren by a blast of 10 seconds, 5 seconds dying down, 10 .second bliist and 5 second dying down. A blast of two minutes would announce "all clear." No arrangements were yet made for other signals including the "alert," but shortly the public would be made conversant with all arrangements: by circular and advertisement. Mr Barry, added that regulations had been issued regarding ear lights ami these could not be left on when directly visible from the sea.

. Mr Dicker, lighting controller for tine Bay, announced that blackout restrictions were to be more rigidly enforced with prosecutions following breaches. Each firm and private home is to blackout windows facing the sea, adequately blind other windows and to equip one room so- that the normal programme could be continued in this with a total blackout prevailing. With all duties fully discussed the meeting closed at 11T15 p.m. it being arranged to publish as soon as possible all instructions to the publrc.