Mock drills to be conducted across all districts of Kerala

T'puram: In view of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, comprehensive civil defence mock drill will be conducted in the state across all 14 districts on Wednesday. The drill, scheduled to begin at 4pm, is being carried out on the directive of the Union home ministry to assess the state's preparedness in dealing with emergency situations such as aerial or coastal attacks.

As a coastal state with a 560-km-long shoreline and densely inhabited coastal regions, Kerala remains particularly vulnerable to sea-borne threats and infiltrations. With critical defence and scientific establishments like Southern Air Command of the Indian Air Force in Thiruvananthapuram, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), and Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, the state holds strategic significance. Unlike northern states with international borders that remain on routine high alert, Kerala typically functions without elevated security protocols, making such drills crucial for strengthening readiness.

Chief secretary A Jayathilak has directed all district collectors and officials concerned to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise. In a preparatory meeting held on Tuesday, senior govt officials and representatives from all districts took part in reviewing the arrangements.

The drill will evaluate multiple facets of the civil defence mechanism in Kerala, with the participation of police, fire and rescue services, disaster management authorities, and revenue departments. It is intended not only to test institutional preparedness but also to promote awareness and response capabilities at the community and household levels.

Local bodies, such as residents' associations and panchayats, have been instructed to appoint ward-level wardens to coordinate the drill. Civil defence blackout instructions must be communicated to all residents, with announcements through local worship centres being encouraged wherever necessary. Ward-level mock drills are to be conducted, and first-aid kits must be made available at strategic locations like schools, basements, and community halls. Community volunteers will assist those in need during the blackout period, and the public is urged to remain indoors and comply calmly with the directions of civil defence wardens.

Households have been advised to turn off all lights at 4pm when the drill siren sounds. In situations where lighting is necessary, precautions must be taken to ensure that no light escapes through windows, which should be covered with thick curtains or cardboard. The use of mobile phones or any light-emitting devices near windows should be avoided. Families are encouraged to keep battery-operated or solar torches, glow sticks, and radios ready, along with first-aid kits that include medicines, drinking water, torches, and dry food items. Every household is expected to conduct a ‘family drill' by moving together to the safest part of the house once the blackout begins.

The public is also reminded to recognise siren signals: a long siren will serve as a warning, while a short one will indicate that the area is safe. People in public places are advised to move into nearby buildings for protection. Official updates should be accessed via radio or television, and gas or electrical appliances should be turned off as soon as the blackout siren is heard to prevent the risk of fire. Special attention must be given to the safety of children and pets throughout the blackout.