Panaji : May 14, 2025 :: The Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, Disaster Management Cell has issued an advisory and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for air raid alerts and blackout protocols.
In accordance with the Civil Defence Manual and the national civil contingency protocols, the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to be strictly observed by all departments, local bodies, emergency services, and the general public in the event of an air raid warning or blackout directive.
For Air Raid warning signals the following sirens are standardized for use across India: Action Warning – RED (Air Raid Alert):
A two-minute warbling siren will indicate an impending air raid. Upon hearing this signal, all prescribed precautions must be immediately enacted. For all Clear – GREEN (Raiders Passed): a continuous, two-minute hooting siren will denote that the threat has passed and normal activity may resume.
In case of an alert, the general public will have to proceed to designated air raid shelters, protective trenches, or other secure locations as notified and if unable to access a shelter, remain indoors, away from windows and external walls and maintain composure; avoid unnecessary use of telephone networks to keep lines open for emergency communication.
For Blackout measures, all lights, including outdoor and indoor lighting, must be switched off or completely shielded. Windows and openings should be covered with thick or opaque materials to prevent any light escape.
Regarding Transport and Mobility Restrictions, with regards Public Transport, operations should cease or continue without lighting. All vehicles must halt at the nearest safe stop or station. Private Vehicles must be parked off-road with all lights extinguished.
Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) must remain operational with backup power, communication tools, and emergency lighting. Constant coordination must be maintained with military command, local administration, and neighboring EOCs. Deployment readiness of trained personnel to manage operations in shifts should be ensured.
The procedures following the ‘All Clear’ Signal are as follows: Resume normal activities only after the GREEN signal (All Clear) is officially issued.
All damage, disruptions, or casualties must be reported promptly to the nearest Civil Defence authority or Control Room of District Magistrate.
Restoration of services and infrastructure must be carried out as per standing recovery guidelines after inspection.
Avoid spreading rumors or unreliable information.
