Air Raid Precautions letter

Document text:

NORTH RIDING COUNTY COUNCIL

AIR RAID PRECAUTIONS

Dear Sir (or Madam),

In the event of a serious aerial attack on the district where you live, one of our greatest problems may be the finding quickly of accommodation for persons rendered homeless. Therefore, I put before you a suggestion and an appeal which, if adopted, will be of advantage to yourself and of assistance to the Local Authority.

My suggestion is that, if possible, you arrange with a friend or relative residing at least 1/4 mile from your house, for either of you to provide temporary accommodation for the other in the event of either of your homes having to be evacuated owing to damage by enemy air raids.

In making such arrangements you are also advised to deposit with your friend or relative a case or parcel of spare clothing and copies of, or reference to, documents, receipts, etc. (e.g. War Savings Certificates) which it would be difficult to replace.

From experience gained in areas which have suffered serious Air Raid Damage I urgently appeal to you to endeavour to make such arrangements as speedily as possible and then fill in the details asked for on the Householders Record Card and return it to your Air Raid Wardens' Post at the address given. Your Air Raid Warden will advise or assist you in completing this card if you ask him.

You are also urged to inform your Air Raid Warden whenever you have friends or relatives staying with you or of any occasion when you leave the house unoccupied. This information will be invaluable to the Civil Defence Services in the event of the premises being damaged.

It will be a great help if you will COMPLETE THE CARD AT ONCE, if you can - and, in any case, within 7 days.

Yours faithfully,

County A.R.P. Controller