EMERGENCY PRECAKTIONS TEST

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21549, 11 October 1941, Page 6

EMERGENCY PRECAKTI ONS TEST

Ever since the Hawke? ay earthquake the minds of the people of New Zealand have turned towards the need of some permanent organisation th at would be read y to act immediately any such disaster occurre- The outbreak of war and the possibility of enemy action b' :A % added to the ever-present chance of a natural disturbance ’* ave quickened the public sense of the need for preparation t 0 meet any emergency. The outcome has been the Emerg' ncy Precautions organisation in every centre of population in th- Dominion. There is now in existence a scheme which is d e s 4 * n ed to safeguard the public in a time of emergency, to extinguish c.cs, repair damage, prevent panic and perform all the other numerous duties which would arise from any disturbance.

Organisation of the scheme has been proceeding in Hamilton for some time, and to test its efficiency a trial alarm is to be sounded on Monday. The public will be given an opportunity to judge what is being done for its safety and, more important still, to enroll with the organisation so that they can take a share in a national duty. It is not expected that the organisation will be found to be perfect on Monday, but it is hoped to gain experience in emergency conditions and to improve the organisation from the lessons learned. Public sympathy and support will be welcomed, and much good may result from the “ inquest ” that is to be held subsequently. The Public may not be aware of the amount of work involved in the scheme. But it is only necessary to remember that a single bomb dropped in the town might destroy the electric power, light, telephone, water and gas services and cause casualties, fire and panic to realise that the several committees operating under the scheme have faced a formidable task in attempting to provide in advance a remedy for all the possible difficulties. Restoration of the services, extinguishment of fires, clearing and treatment of casualties, care for refugees, and maintenance of public order will all provide ample opportunity for the workers to gain experience. The general

public would also do well to remember that it has certain obligations to fulfil to assist the emergency workers in their tasks.