The Unwritten Rules: What Kids Don't Learn at School
May 13, 2025By Devika Mehra
If you’ve been hearing about the upcoming nationwide mock drills and wondering what it all means for your family, you’re not alone. It’s only natural to have questions, especially when words like “blackout” and “civil defence” start popping up in the news. But don’t worry, these drills are all about keeping us safe, not about scaring anyone.
This post will break down everything you need to know so you can keep your family informed and prepared without unnecessary worry.
What Exactly Are These Mock Drills?
The government has announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill taking place on Wednesday, May 7, across 244 districts of the country. These drills are basically practice runs that help everyone, from government officials to regular citizens like us, prepare for potential emergencies.
Think of it like a fire drill at school, but on a much larger scale. It's not because there's a fire, but so everyone knows what to do if one happens.
Why Are These Drills Happening Now?
You might be wondering about the timing. These drills come amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which sadly claimed 26 lives. The Ministry of Home Affairs wants to check India’s preparedness for emergencies, especially given the current circumstances.
The exercise will take place in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and border states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Gujarat.
What Will Happen on May 7?
Here’s what you and your family might experience:
- Air Raid Sirens: Loud sirens will go off in many neighbourhoods. This is to test the warning systems and remind everyone what the sirens sound like.
- Blackout Drills: In some areas, lights will be turned off for a short time. This is to practice reducing visibility in case of night-time attacks. You might see this at night, but it could also happen during the day in some places.
- Evacuation Drills: Some areas will practice moving people to safer locations. Schools and colleges may participate in these drills, but as of now, there are no orders to close schools.
- Communication Tests: Authorities will check if emergency hotlines and radio links are working properly.
- Public Announcements: There may be announcements on the radio, TV, or loudspeakers with instructions or updates.
- Temporary Disruptions: You might experience short power cuts, slower internet, or traffic diversions. In some places, mobile signals could be briefly suspended.
Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed?
As of now, there has been no official announcement about schools or colleges closing on May 7. However, this could change, so it's a good idea to:
- Stay in touch with your child's school for the latest updates
- Check official school communications regularly
- Have a backup plan in case classes are suspended at the last minute
Many schools might actually participate in the drill to educate students about emergency preparedness.
How Should You Prepare Your Children for These Drills?
This is a great opportunity to talk to your kids about emergency preparedness in a calm, reassuring way:
- Stay Calm: Remember, this is a practice. There is no real danger during the drill.
- Follow Instructions: Listen to local announcements and follow any directions from authorities.
- Explain What's Happening: Tell them about the drill in simple terms, emphasizing that it's just practice to keep everyone safe.
- Avoid Rumors: Don’t share unverified news or rumors on social media. Stick to official sources for updates.
- Address Fears: Some children might be scared by sirens or blackouts. Reassure them that it's all planned and temporary.
- Create a Family Plan: Discuss where to meet if you get separated during an emergency.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Use this as a chance to put together basic supplies like water, snacks, medicines, and flashlights.
- Turn It into a Learning Experience: Help them understand that being prepared is important, just like practicing for a sports game.
- Stay Informed: Tune in to the radio or official government channels for the latest information.
Common Questions You May Have
- Is this a sign that something bad is about to happen?
No, these drills are precautionary measures. They're part of standard civil defence practices that many countries follow regularly.
- Should I keep my child home from school that day?
Unless your school announces closure, regular attendance is expected. The drills are designed to work around normal daily activities.
- What if my child gets scared by the sirens or blackout?
Prepare them in advance by explaining what might happen. If they're very sensitive, consider having comfort items ready or planning distracting activities during drill times.
- How long will the blackouts last?
Based on previous drills (like the one in Ferozepur Cantonment), blackouts typically last about 30 minutes. However, this can vary by location.
- Will emergency services still work during the drill?
Yes, all essential services will remain operational. The drill is designed not to interfere with critical services.
What Happens After the Drill?
After the drill, officials will evaluate how everything went and identify areas for improvement. This helps make future emergency responses more effective. You might want to:
- Talk with your children about their experience
- Review and adjust your family emergency plan if needed
- Check if your emergency supplies need updating
- Stay informed about any follow-up announcements
The Bigger Picture
These civil defence drills are part of a broader strategy to boost national preparedness. The initiative began at the 'Chintan Shivir' in October 2022, where leaders emphasized the need for nationwide readiness.
While the context of current tensions might seem concerning, remember that being prepared is always smart, regardless of circumstances. These drills help everyone—government agencies, communities, and families—work together more effectively during real emergencies.
Conclusion
As parents, we always want to protect our children. Participating in these drills and talking openly about emergency preparedness is actually one of the best ways to do that. When children understand what's happening and feel prepared, they're less likely to panic in real emergencies.
So take this opportunity to have age-appropriate conversations with your kids about safety. Emphasize that while we hope emergencies never happen, knowing what to do "just in case" helps everyone stay safer.
Remember, the goal of these drills isn't to scare anyone—it's to build confidence and competence in responding to unexpected situations. By approaching this calmly and positively, you're teaching your children valuable life skills about preparedness and resilience.
Stay safe, stay informed, and remember—we're all in this together!
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