Emergency protocol in case of War amid Indo-Pak escalations

Amid the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan, the first question that comes in your mind must be, what should we do in case of war? What safety protocol must be followed in case of emergency. Let’s break it down.

The foremost thing is to keep your phones and laptops charged.

Make sure any vehicles at home, have adequate fuel in case of evacuation. The emergency backup power like UPS and generators must have recently undergone maintenance and should have adequate battery or fuel to last at least two days.

Second thing to do is to keep an emergency bag ready. Now remember, its an emergency bag we are not going to overstuff it. Have a change of clothes in there, multiple sets if you have a baby or toddler with you. Dry food like nuts, biscuits and dry milk. At least two water bottles. Diapers for the baby and sanitary pads for the women of mensuration age.  Your first aid box should be in the emergency bag or in case you don’t have one include essential medicines and anti-septic to give first aid if need arises. Important medicine like Panadol for fever and pain, aspirin and some anti diarrhea medicine along with a few packets of Oral Rehydration Salts must be in the bag. Don’t forget to keep some cash and your identification in the bag.

Now comes the time to prepare your home for any emergency.

Remember to stock up on at least a weeks’ worth of grocery. Include candles and matchsticks and keep them accessible in multiple rooms. Find the inner most room of the house, preferably one that does not have a water tank or heavy transmission lines overhead. You are going to turn this into a refuge room, with extra food stock in case you need to take refuge there. Arrange for buckets and store water in your kitchen and washrooms in case there is a water shortage. 

Now comes the time for your civic responsibility. Do not share any data, pictures or videos of military movement in your area. Responsible citizens do not sabotage their own forces. Refrain from sharing unverified news on social media that might lead to hysteria. As the threat of cyber-attack looms large, do not click on any unknown links and turn off auto download from your WhatsApp. Keep alert and listen to any air raid sirens or any other safety instructions being provided by the local authorities via mosques or other channels.

Incase of night raids, turn all your lights off and stay away from windows lest the enemy targets civilian population. Don’t forget to turn off any gas connections you may have. In case of air strikes in the open lay low and support your head with your arms, spread your legs. You can look up tutorials on YouTube. 

The most important aspect is to keep your wits. Do not panic, but keep family close and avoid unnecessary travel. May better sense prevails, till then stay safe out there.