As India prepares for a nationwide civil defence drill—the first since 1971—retired US Army Colonel Jeffrey Fischer has offered straightforward survival advice for civilians facing emergencies like air raids or blackouts. Fischer, an international security expert and former Pentagon diplomat, emphasises personal readiness amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
"At a minimum, keep a three-day supply of food, water, and medicine in your home," said Fischer. He also advises families to pick a common meeting point in case they get separated. A bathroom or a closet can serve as a makeshift shelter, where flashlights, basic medical kits, water, and a battery-powered radio should be stored.
For those caught outside during an emergency, he urges vigilance. "Stay aware of your surroundings. Know the exits. Mentally map two escape routes," he said. Subways, he adds, are the safest option during an air raid if one is in a public space. After an attack, Fischer recommends administering first aid, steering clear of downed wires, and reuniting with family at the pre-agreed location.
Also Read: From Dal Lake to Marine Drive: How Indian cities are bracing for tomorrow's air raids, blackouts, and evacuation mock drills
National drills after five decades amid rising tensions
The Home Ministry has confirmed that a nationwide security exercise will take place on Wednesday across 244 civil defence districts, prioritising border zones and key strategic areas. This is the first such exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. According to officials, over 100 civil defence locations are now deemed "highly sensitive."
A review meeting held on Tuesday evaluated the state of civil defence infrastructure and underlined the urgency of public training for emergency situations—including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and evacuation routines. The directive comes amid growing concern following the Pahalgam attack, with authorities stressing the need for public readiness.
Also Read: Delhi, Mumbai districts among 244 set for mock drills on May 7: Check details
How civil defence affects everyday life
War preparedness is not limited to soldiers. The civilian impact is deep and far-reaching. During past conflicts—in 1962, 1965, and 1971—cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata experienced total blackouts. Vehicles had to cover headlights with brown paper to reduce visibility to enemy aircraft.
The Centre’s civil defence guidelines, last updated in 2003, stress safe water management, emergency kitchens, and prevention of epidemics through mass inoculations. “Adequate food inspection during an emergency, especially the inspection of emergency kitchens and canteens. Prevention of epidemics by mass inoculation,” the document states. The potential for disruption to public health, water supply, and sanitation is significant in conflict zones.
In Ferozepur, Punjab, a blackout drill was conducted last Sunday in the cantonment area—reminiscent of wartime practices from 1971. The aim is to help civilians respond calmly and effectively during a crisis.
Also Read: Delhi and Lucknow conduct emergency drills ahead of nationwide civil defence mock drill exercise on May 7
Lessons from Abroad: Shelters, blackouts and mental strain
Globally, civil defence has evolved into a culture of resilience. Israel, for instance, mandates bomb shelters in every home. People are trained to respond immediately to air raid sirens. In Ukraine, the digitalisation of services has ensured continued access to banks, education, and healthcare even during active war.
Britain enforced complete blackouts before World War II, using curtains, cardboard, and paint to hide light from German bombers. Over 44 million gas masks were distributed between 1938 and 1939.
The psychological toll of war readiness is immense. “One in five people living in active or recent war zones has depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia,” says a report by the Council on Foreign Relations. The trauma often lingers across generations.
Memories of war drills and shelters
For many Indians, memories of past wars remain vivid. Journalist M R Narayan Swamy recalls the trenches dug outside government flats in Netaji Nagar during the 1971 war. “L-shaped trenches had been dug outside our two-room government flats... so that people could take shelter in the event of a Pakistani air attack,” he writes.
Michael Patrao, writing in the Deccan Herald, described school mock drills in Mumbai: “We were instructed to rush into the church when the siren (school bell) was sounded... we used to rush to the church.” Archival videos show civilians disembarking buses and taking cover when air raid sirens blared through the city.
While war remains a worst-case scenario, officials and experts agree on one thing: readiness saves lives. This week’s national drill, though driven by recent threats, serves a larger purpose. It’s about equipping citizens—mentally, physically, and emotionally—for crises that may unfold with little warning.
As Colonel Fischer puts it, the best defence is preparation.
Also Read: Watch: NDMA releases video explaining measures to take in case of an emergency ahead of mock drills
"At a minimum, keep a three-day supply of food, water, and medicine in your home," said Fischer. He also advises families to pick a common meeting point in case they get separated. A bathroom or a closet can serve as a makeshift shelter, where flashlights, basic medical kits, water, and a battery-powered radio should be stored.
For those caught outside during an emergency, he urges vigilance. "Stay aware of your surroundings. Know the exits. Mentally map two escape routes," he said. Subways, he adds, are the safest option during an air raid if one is in a public space. After an attack, Fischer recommends administering first aid, steering clear of downed wires, and reuniting with family at the pre-agreed location.
Also Read: From Dal Lake to Marine Drive: How Indian cities are bracing for tomorrow's air raids, blackouts, and evacuation mock drills
National drills after five decades amid rising tensions
The Home Ministry has confirmed that a nationwide security exercise will take place on Wednesday across 244 civil defence districts, prioritising border zones and key strategic areas. This is the first such exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war, a conflict that led to the creation of Bangladesh. According to officials, over 100 civil defence locations are now deemed "highly sensitive."
A review meeting held on Tuesday evaluated the state of civil defence infrastructure and underlined the urgency of public training for emergency situations—including air raid sirens, blackout protocols, and evacuation routines. The directive comes amid growing concern following the Pahalgam attack, with authorities stressing the need for public readiness.
Also Read: Delhi, Mumbai districts among 244 set for mock drills on May 7: Check details
How civil defence affects everyday life
War preparedness is not limited to soldiers. The civilian impact is deep and far-reaching. During past conflicts—in 1962, 1965, and 1971—cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata experienced total blackouts. Vehicles had to cover headlights with brown paper to reduce visibility to enemy aircraft.
The Centre’s civil defence guidelines, last updated in 2003, stress safe water management, emergency kitchens, and prevention of epidemics through mass inoculations. “Adequate food inspection during an emergency, especially the inspection of emergency kitchens and canteens. Prevention of epidemics by mass inoculation,” the document states. The potential for disruption to public health, water supply, and sanitation is significant in conflict zones.
In Ferozepur, Punjab, a blackout drill was conducted last Sunday in the cantonment area—reminiscent of wartime practices from 1971. The aim is to help civilians respond calmly and effectively during a crisis.
Also Read: Delhi and Lucknow conduct emergency drills ahead of nationwide civil defence mock drill exercise on May 7
Lessons from Abroad: Shelters, blackouts and mental strain
Globally, civil defence has evolved into a culture of resilience. Israel, for instance, mandates bomb shelters in every home. People are trained to respond immediately to air raid sirens. In Ukraine, the digitalisation of services has ensured continued access to banks, education, and healthcare even during active war.
Britain enforced complete blackouts before World War II, using curtains, cardboard, and paint to hide light from German bombers. Over 44 million gas masks were distributed between 1938 and 1939.
The psychological toll of war readiness is immense. “One in five people living in active or recent war zones has depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia,” says a report by the Council on Foreign Relations. The trauma often lingers across generations.
Memories of war drills and shelters
For many Indians, memories of past wars remain vivid. Journalist M R Narayan Swamy recalls the trenches dug outside government flats in Netaji Nagar during the 1971 war. “L-shaped trenches had been dug outside our two-room government flats... so that people could take shelter in the event of a Pakistani air attack,” he writes.
Michael Patrao, writing in the Deccan Herald, described school mock drills in Mumbai: “We were instructed to rush into the church when the siren (school bell) was sounded... we used to rush to the church.” Archival videos show civilians disembarking buses and taking cover when air raid sirens blared through the city.
While war remains a worst-case scenario, officials and experts agree on one thing: readiness saves lives. This week’s national drill, though driven by recent threats, serves a larger purpose. It’s about equipping citizens—mentally, physically, and emotionally—for crises that may unfold with little warning.
As Colonel Fischer puts it, the best defence is preparation.
Also Read: Watch: NDMA releases video explaining measures to take in case of an emergency ahead of mock drills
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