The “Black-out” was imposed on 1st September, 1939, but by February the following year, people were still not complying with it properly. This warning from the Mercury explains what people could do to avoid prosecution.
‘The “Black-out” is to be strictly enforced from now on and it is authoritatively stated that warnings will not be given in the future.
Housekeepers, motorists, shopkeepers and torch-flashers will be well advised to see that they comply with the law, otherwise there is bound to be a crop of prosecutions – a state of affairs which is not desired.
It should be borne in mind that a proper “black-out” for a private dwelling-house means that from the outside there should be no evidence whatever of the existence of windows when the lights are on inside. In a good many cases ill-fitting curtains or screens, or the use of material which is not a hundred per cent. light proof, are causes of complaint, and in this direction stricter enforcement of the regulations is imminent. Cracks at the side of windows, slits in curtains and other defects will have to be remedied.
There are still some motorists who have not fitted the regulation mask to their vehicles. This equipment is compulsory, and it is no longer legal to drive with the cut-out paper mask.
Chief complaint, however, is with regard to the indiscriminate use of improperly-shielded flash-lamps. Recent inspection from the air has disclosed the danger of this form of illuminant. Flash-lamps must be held so that the beam shines only on the ground and they must be screened with two sheets of paper.
All these points should be carefully watched, for by co-operation with the authorities the civilian population can contribute their quota to safe-guarding their own and other people’s lives in the case of air attack.’
The Stamford Mercury, 9th February, 1940.