Watch: NDMA explains what to do in case of an emergency ahead of mock drills

The NDMA on Tuesday released a video explaining measures that need to be taken in case of an emergency amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

The video suggests measures that need to be taken at school and at home in case of an adversity. It advises students and teachers to ring alarm bells, switch off lights, cover the windows with dark curtains and duck under benches. It also advises that the older students help younger ones. Further, it asks teachers to lock doors and in case they need to move to a safer location, it is advised to do so while crouching and moving along the walls.

Meanwhile, it also asks parents to talk to children about what they learnt in school. It also asks people to cover home windows with dark curtains or cloths to block out any light from homes. The advisory also asks residents to keep a basic medical kit with medicines and torch ready for any situation.



On Monday, the Government of India The Government of India announced a nationwide civil defence mock drill on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian tourists. The home ministry has instructed 244 districts to conduct the exercise, which will include blackout simulations, air raid sirens, evacuation drills, and public training sessions to prepare for war-like emergencies.

People may experience experience temporary blackouts, suspension of mobile signals, or traffic diversions during the drill. Authorities may also conduct evacuation exercises or hold public announcements. In some areas, police and paramilitary forces may simulate a war-like emergency.

Breakdown of civil defence mock drill activities

Air Raid Sirens
Sirens will be activated to test public alert systems. These serve as warnings in case of incoming aerial threats, allowing people time to take cover.

Crash Blackouts
Cities may switch off visible lights to mimic blackout conditions used during wars. This reduces the risk of detection during night-time airstrikes. India last used this method extensively in 1971.

Camouflage Exercises
Critical installations — including communication towers, power plants, and military areas — will undergo camouflage operations to test concealment techniques from aerial or satellite monitoring.

Evacuation Drills
Authorities will simulate evacuations from high-risk zones to safer locations. These drills help identify logistical issues and improve response time.

Civilian Training Sessions
Schools, colleges, offices, and community centres will host awareness sessions. These will teach people how to find shelter, use basic first aid, and stay calm during emergencies.