BLACKOUT TRIAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 56, 22 May 1942, Page 5

BLACKOUT TRIAL

FULL SCALE TEST PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK A requisition from the Chief Warden (Mr B. S. Barry) to all members of the E.P.S. personnel in Whakatane announca'e the intention of staging a further 'blackout' trial which will take place one day next week Moniday to Friday inclusive. The actual night and the time will not be previously disclosed. Conditions will be exactly similar to those attaching to the previous trial and full blackout conditions will prevail during the period of the test, that is t.o say, no light or glare exccpt that permitted by regulations wall be visible. Occupiers have boon advised of their obligatons to provide at least one room completely blacked out for use during an emergency, and on the occasion of the trial it Avill be necessary that this accommodation be. used. Members of the Traffic Control Unit, the Wardens Unit and Warden's runners will report to their stations, and proceed with their duties. The personnel of other units and all other messengers will not require to report for this blackout trial. Vehicular Sirens On this, and on the occasion of future alarms, the sounding of the fire sirens will be supplemented by two sirens of the fire engine type, fixed to vehicles which will traverse the Borough sounding the standard alarm signal. Thus, all should hear the alert om this and future occasions. Whole Service Test Details are also in train for a full scale test which is also to be held in the near future. All personnel are required to report to their posts immediately upon the sounding of the alarm. Leave of absence will not be granted except in the most exceptional circumstances and Controllers will report the absence oi anyi E.P.S. members with a view to any necessary further action. All personnel will have been intruded respecting- stations and duties, but in case of doubt or misapprehension on any point please clear this, up with the Controller of their Unit prior to the trial. E'veiy effort will be made to* make the trial as realistic as possible. Unfortunately it has not been possible to arrange an "air raid" by R.N.Z.A.F. aircraft, but with the explosion of bombs, fire demonstrations, actual patients for casualties and fatalities, transport and other Units in operation etc. Lt is hoped to have all personnel working as nearly as practicable under conditions of an actual emergency.