India is getting ready for a countrywide security drill tomorrow after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. The attack took the lives of 26 innocent people. As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all states to follow special safety steps — including a blackout.

This will be the first time in 54 years that India is doing such a drill across the nation.

What is a blackout?

A blackout means turning off or dimming all lights in certain areas so that they cannot be seen from the sky. This is done to protect people and cities from enemy aircraft during war-like situations.

Blackouts are not new, they were used during earlier wars to make it harder for enemy planes to find and attack cities. A guide from 2003, called General Principles of Civil Defence in India, explains how blackouts should be done and what people must do to stay safe.

Why blackouts are important

The document says blackouts can make things harder for enemy pilots. “The anxiety level of the enemy pilot in the cockpit would be more if the area is dark,” it says.

The goal is to make sure no light can be seen from 5,000 feet above the ground. To do this, lights must be reduced slowly, not all at once. This includes street lights, factory lights, and even lights from vehicles. Big glowing advertisements, especially in busy city areas, will not be allowed during blackouts.

What you can and can’t do

The blackout is not meant to leave people in total darkness, but to help protect cities at night. A draft order explains that public lighting, such as street lamps, should be kept very low.

“No direct ray from a street lamp shall be emitted except at a downward slope. Light thrown on the ground shall not be greater than that from a 25-watt bulb at a distance of 20 ft. or an ordinary hurricane lantern at a distance of 6 ft,” the document adds.

People should cover their windows using blackout curtains, thick cloth, or cardboard to stop any indoor light from leaking outside. Headlights of cars should be dimmed or covered so they don’t shine brightly, and vehicle movement may be restricted in some areas.

Emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks may still use lights, but only when truly needed. Police and civil defence teams will make sure people follow the rules during the drill.

Here’s a quick list of Do’s and Don’ts:

Do:

  • Use thick curtains or covers to block lights from windows.
  • Turn off or dim lights in and outside your home.
  • Avoid using bright signs or lights on shops.
  • Follow what police and officials tell you.
  • Keep a flashlight ready in case you need it.

 Don’t:

  • Don’t leave lights on that can be seen outside.
  • Don’t drive without dimming your car’s lights.
  • Don’t panic — this is only a drill.
  • Don’t spread false information.



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