AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 105, 5 May 1937, Page 13

AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS

The measures taken by the LondoD County Council, at the Government’s request, to co-operate in the formulation of a scheme of air-raid precautions, arc the subject of a report prepared by the General Purposes Committee of the Council. Members of the fire brigade have •ndergone anti-gas training at tho Government’s anti-gas school in Gloucestershire. Twenty-six have been trained, and these men are instructing 'the 2,000 officers and men of the •rigade. About 50 per cent, have now Been trained. A scheme for providing lire protection for London in emergency conditions is being worked out by the /thief officer of the brigade, in conlultation with the Home Office. Consideration is being given to the protection of education, public health, mental hospitals, main drainage, and father vital services, and members of 'the staff have been, or are being trained in anti-gas and other protective measures. ior decontaminating the parks from the Volunteer squads have been recru'ted effects of gas. The protection of the itaff at the County Hall, and other lientral offices is also being dealt with. The borough councils and the City 'Corporation, in the event of a raid, would be responsible for services such

Firemens Anti-Gas Training

as decontamination of areas, rescue of casualties, removal of debris, and provision of air raid shelters. Tho enforcement of lighting restrictions, recruitment of & utaff of gas detectors, and co-ordination of repairs to essential services will be dealt with centrally by the Government, The Committee states that the Council’s decision to co-operate in these measures contained a condition that any expenditure beyond what is necessary for the normal maintenance of the service should be borne by the State, and the Committee reports that representations to the same effect have been made to the Home Secretary by a deputation from the Association of Municipal Corporations. Courses of instruction in anti-gas measures have been given to the medical staffs at some of the general, and mental hospitals. One course has been completed, and it is hoped to complete the training at another course now being arranged. The trained medical staff will instruct the nursing staffs. The question of how best to deal with schools and school children in an emergency is being considered by the Government, adds the report. Arrangements to train teachers in anti-gas work are now receiving attention.