MANY METHODS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 29, 16 March 1942, Page 2

MANY METHODS

COVERING WINDOWS

PR AGTI CAL SU G G ESTION S

A number of practical suggestions lor the' blacking-out of premises, contained in a booklet prepared by the Home Office in Britain, have been transcribed, with some modifications, and issued in mimeographed form to wardens of the Emergency Precautions Scheme Organisation in Auckland, which is assisting the lighting reduction measures by providing a patrol and inspection service. It has been explained that the suggestions are tor the guidance of those concerned, and are not to be regarded as specific requirements. For the covering of windows dark blinds or curtains may be used. The material must be impervious to light. Blinds may consist of dark blue or dark green gazed holland, Lancaster cloth, Italian cloth, rubberised cloth, or black or thick dark brown paper. Outside screening material should be dark in colour, and black, brown, green or blue are suitable. Many buildings, in addition to houses, already have blinds of some light material, and to make them suitable for screening they can be treated with, oil-bound water paint or distemper of dark colour. j Darkening the Edges Where existing blinds do not make a complete lit, disclosure of light must be prevented by painting the edges cf the Avindow Avitli an opaque paint. It is of great importance that light should be prevented from showing at the edges of blinds and particularly at the sill. Spring roller blinds have advantages, but cheaper forms of fixing can be obtained Avith single line flange rollers, or the material can be attached to a lath at top and bottom and carried on hooks when required, being rolled up and stored when not in use. Suitable screens can sometimes be made "from such materials as corrugated paper, plywood or chipboard or jute treated with bitumen or paint. For improvised screening stout Avaterproof packing paper Avith a labiic backing is very suitable. A Useful FrameAvork

A satisfactory method of screening is to lix the selected material to a light wood framework made to fit closely into the window. The whole frame can then be placed in position when required and removed by day. External screens can take the form of permanent hinged shutters or of fabric attached to a wooden frame or to expanded cr welded metal. If blinds or scrcens are not provided, glass windows should be coated with opaque distemper or paint. As an additional safeguard, all internal lights should, as far as is practicable, be shaded to prevent direct light being cast above the horizontal or in any direction in which lighting is not required. Particular care should be taken to shade lamps so that no direct ligbt is cast on windows. Existing shallow reflectors may be replaced by others of a deeper pattern or skirts of opaque material may be fitted-