April 12, 1943
To: |
All residents of Old Deerfield, East Deerfield, West Deerfield,
and Wapping. |
From: |
Old Deerfield Report Center- Henry B. Poor |
Subject: |
Surprise blackout test this week, April 12th through 16th. |
Any day or night, from today through Friday, we may expect a surprise blackout
test. It will probably take place during the evening. There will be no incidents,
but we are asked to mobilize all our Civilian Defense workers.
This test's purpose is to try out recent changes which have seemed advisable
because of the confusion noted in the February test. Audible signals will be
sounded now on all signals except the first, which is used only to mobilize
workers. Each siren signal will be repeated three times, at 15-second intervals.
Street lights will now become another signal to residents, for all buildings
must be blacked out when the street lights go out, remaining blacked out until
they come on again.
It is with regret that signals have been changed from time to time, but we
hope the present system will prove both simple and effective. Civilian Defense
workers are asked to telephone Greenfield 3618 right after the test about any
confusion or violations. Please help spread the word about the present signals.
Occasional tests must be held if we are to stay alert, and we must stay alert
so long as war continues. The help and co-operation of our townspeople has been
remarkable, and is always greatly appreciated.
The following general instructions should be saved for this and future tests.
GREEN 1 (if testing) YELLOW (if serious) Air raid possibility
No audible signal.
All workers will be telephoned to mobilize at once.
GREEN 2 (if testing) BLUE (if serious) Air raid approaching
Sirens sound two blasts.
Air raid wardens will be advised by telephone.
All buildings black out and street lights go out.
Pedestrians and traffic still move.
GREEN 3 (if testing) RED (if serious) Air raid now
Sirens sound three blasts. Church bells ring.
Air raid wardens will be advised by telephone.
Pedestrians take cover, and all traffic stops except for
emergency vehicles on low-beam headlights.
GREEN 2 (if testing) BLUE (if serious) Air raid past but may return
Sirens sound two blasts.
Air raid wardens will be advised by telephone.
All buildings remain blacked out and street lights remain out.
Pedestrians and traffic move again.
GREEN 4 (if testing) WHITE (if serious) All clear
Sirens sound four blasts. Wardens may use auto horns, etc.
Street lights come on, and all restrictions end.
All workers will be telephoned to demobilize. |