Notice to the public in the event of an aerial raid
(With kind permission of Sir Robert Clerk of Penicuik, NRS reference: GD18/6182)

Transcript: 

COUNTY OF MIDLOTHIAN

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

IN THE EVENT OF

AN AERIAL RAID

THE CHIEF CONSTABLE ISSUES THE FOLLOWINGINSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
GUIDANCE OF HOUSEHOLDERS IN THE COUNTY IN CASE OF AN AIR RAID:-

1. Immediately information is received that an Air Raid is imminent, the Gas – both Public and Private – will either be altogether cut off or be reduced to a minimum, and in those parts of the County where there is an Electric Installation, the Electric Light will be entirely cut off, and this should act as a warning that hostile aircraft is approaching or has begun an attack.

2. The Police at the same time will do their utmost to warn householders who use illuminants other than Gas or Electricity by informing them that an Air-Raid is imminent and this should be the signal for them to Extinguish all Inside Lights.

3. Householders using Gas are earnestly requested to extinguish what light remains, taking care to turn off the tap at the Gas Jets and Meter, to avoid danger in case of fire or of explosion or suffocation after the pressure is restored. Universal observance of this recommendation will produce the state of darkness which the Military Authorities consider so essential to public safety.

4. Householders, Shopkeepers, and others who are in the habit of keeping a small gas jet or jets burning overnight should discontinue the practice, as, with the gas reduced to a minimum in the event of an Air Raid, the light may go out, and on resumption of the pressure with open taps, the danger from suffocation and explosion is obvious.

5. The inhabitants are requested to remain Indoors during an Air Raid attack, keeping away from windows, and refraining from using lights of any kind. The danger of remaining outside is accentuated considerably by fragments of shells etc falling from our own defensive guns. 

6. Unexploded Shell or Bombs should on no account be interfered with, as they may burst when moved, but immediately it can be done with safety the Police should be informed of their position. By Regulation 35B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations it is an offence for any person having found any Bomb or Projectile or any Fragment  thereof, or any Document, Map etc which may have been discharged, dropped etc from any hostile aircraft not to forthwith communicate the fact to a Military Post or to a  Police Constable in the neighbourhood.  

7. No matches must be struck nor lights of any description shown immediately before or during an Air Raid. The Lighting Restrictions must be strictly observed by the inhabitants. Darkness and silence are essential to public safety. 
							S. W. DOUGLAS, Major
  Chief Constable