E.P.S. TRIAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 28 August 1942, Page 2

E.P.S. TRIAL

REHEARSAL THIS WEEKEND

IM AGIN ARY BLITZ AT PORT An imaginary blitz by enemy raiding planes will strike the Port and nearby area at some time after noon to-mor-row and before noon on Sunday. Every E.P.S. worker of the City service will report to his duty station at the appropriate time. For the purpose of this rehearsal it will be considered that the sounding of the alarm approximately denotes the beginning of enemy action and that such action will continue for about half an hour. An all clear signal will be sounded. All personnel will remain on duty until ordered to dismise by the respective unit controllers. Wardens will make a house to house inspection to ascertain the degree of cooperation householders have given in accordance with instructions issued in the E.P.S. hand book. They advise every citizen to make himself or herself conversant with the duties and act accordingly; to read carefully their hand book and show it to their warden; if they have lost it to ask him to obtain another one. It is also necessary that every E.P.S. worker should read carefully instructions concerning hi* or her particular job and see that all authority certificates, the arm band, and note books or report books and pencils are readily accessible. All car headlights and cycle lights should be prepared ready for instant use should the emergency be held during the period of darkness. This rehearsal concerns everyone resident in the City and until the full co-operation of all is readily given rehearsals will continue, it is stated. • SERVICES CO-OPERATING

The Army and Air Force are cooperating; the Army by providing observers, the Air Force by sending over planes to lend reality to the practice, and both services by keeping transport vehicles off the roads of the blitzed area to prevent damage to fire hose and equipment. During the period of the alarm no vehicles other than E.P.S. vehicles will be permitted in the blitzed area. If there is real sickness or a real emergency in or about a home, assistance will be available if the warden is advised. The actual time of the beginning of the emergency period is secret. The necessary signals will be initiated by the War Room. Wellington, which will also order the “All Clear.” Until the alarm sounds citizens are expected to continue with their normal routine and not wait about for the alarm signal; it could be a long and thankless wait. Unit controllers will be responsible for a complete unit attendance check-up being made, and reporting to the Central Committe those absent without leave. Such absentees will be required to furnish a statement in writing explaining their absence. Those members of a unit sick or engaged upon essential war work necessitating their attention during the emergency may apply for leave before noon on Saturday to their unit controller. THE BLACKOUT Should the emergency happen during or continue into the hours of darkness before the sounding of the all clear, everyone must observe the Blackout Regulations, and it will be an offence for anyone to exhibit any light from any source whatever unless such lii£& is so screened as to comply with regulations.