Air Raid Advice: "... the first indication of a raid will in all probability be the noise cause

Advice what to do in the event of air raids was published on 15th July 1915. In the absence of any early warning, “the first indication of a raid will in all probability be the noise caused by the explosion of bombs.”

“DO NOT BE ALARMED.

“AN AIR RAID MAY NEVER TAKE PLACE.

“Better be ready than unprepared.

“CITY OF NOTTINGHAM

“Protection against Raids by Hostile Aircraft.

“FOR THE GUIDANCE OF THE PUBLIC in the event of a raid by Hostile Aircraft on the City, the Local Emergency Committee have framed the under-mentioned instructions with regard to the measures to be taken for ensuring the safety and protection of the population, and it is earnestly requested that all Citizens will loyally assist the authorities by maintaining a calm demeanour, by avoiding panic, and by a willing and ready compliance with these instructions.

“Arrangements are being made with a view if possible to obtaining information as to Hostile Aircraft approaching or travelling in the direction of the City, and it is hoped to be able to give early intimation of any threatened attack by the simultaneous sounding of hooters in various parts of the City for a period of at least two minutes.

“If not such intimation is received, the first indication of a raid will in all probability be the noise caused by the explosion of bombs.

“Neither the Gas supply nor the Electricity supply will be turned off at the works, but all users of Gas and Electric Light are urgently requested to extinguish all lights upon their own premises and to turn off all taps and meters immediately upon the sounding of the hooters and to carefully avoid showing light of any description whatever.

“CITIZENS IN THE STREET should make their way as quickly as possible to the nearest houses or other accessible buildings, and remain under cover.

“Broken electric wires should be avoided.

“Persons in charge of horses should stand by their heads to keep them under control if it is impossible to gain refuge under cover.

“CITIZENS IN PRIVATE HOUSES, BUSINESS PREMISES, & OTHER BUILDINGS should, of course, remain indoors and should afford shelter to all persons seeking refuge. All windows and doors on the lower floors should be closed to prevent the admission of noxious gases. An indication that poison gas is being used will be that a peculiar and irritating smell may be noticed following on the dropping of the bomb.

“Crowding together on upper floors is dangerous.

“Private Fire Brigades should “stand by” ready for any emergency.

“Those owning fire appliances should have them overhauled and ready. Everyone should ascertain the position of the fire alarm post nearest to his or her house.

“PERSONS ASSEMBLED IN PLACES OF AMUSEMENT AND PLACES OF WORSHIP are requested to quietly leave the premises and to take shelter in the nearest available houses. Instructions have been issued for the emergency doors at places of amusement to be immediately opened.

“PARENTS OF SCHOOL-CHILDREN must on no account leave their homes to search for children attending schools.

“The Education Authorities are taking every precaution to ensure the safety of the children entrusted to their care should a raid be made during school hours, and full instructions have been given to the Head Teachers of all the Schools in the City as to the measures to be taken by them with regard to the safety of the children under their charge.

“The Watch Committee have given instructions for the immediate assembly at suitable points, should occasion arise, of the whole Police Force, including the Special Constables.

“Suitable Ambulance arrangements have been made. Members of Voluntary Aid Detachments with Medical Staff will be in attendance at the Guildhall and at the Bulwell Finishing Company’s Works at Bulwell.

“Working Parties to render prompt assistance in case of damaged buildings will be available.

“Arrangements have also been made for the attendance of qualified Veterinary Surgeons to deal with injured animals. Application for Veterinary Assistance should be made to the nearest Police Station.

“Dated this 7th day of July, 1915.

“J.H. GREGG, Mayor.

“JOHN T. McCRAITH,

“Chairman of Nottingham Emergency Committee.”

‘Notts Local News’, 17th July 1915.