Staying Safe and Informed During the Current National Situation

Onsurity Editorial
May 13, 2025
5 min read

Table of Contents

In light of the ongoing situation between India and Pakistan, we at Onsurity are committed to keeping you informed with essential safety information. The well-being of our customers, business partners, employees, and your families is our utmost priority.

Please bookmark this blog for reference and share with your family, friends, and colleagues: the more people who follow official guidelines, the safer our communities will be.

Some key dos and don’ts and other precautions to help you navigate this national crisis safely and responsibly.

Stay Calm and Stay Informed

Remember, preparation is a precaution – authorities are actively managing the situation, and staying informed through proper channels will ensure you get accurate instructions.

Safety Guidelines: Dos and Don’ts

Following basic safety precautions can significantly increase your security. We urge everyone — individuals at home, families, and organisations — to observe the following:

Do the following

These emergency preparedness instructions are designed to help you and your loved ones stay safe during a crisis situation. Following these guidelines can significantly increase your chances of remaining secure and minimize potential risks.

Stay indoors

Stay indoors as much as possible. If officials advise evacuation or moving to a shelter, do so promptly and calmly. Identify the safest area in your home or building (such as a basement or an interior room with no windows) where you can take cover during alarms or air-raid sirens.

Prepare an emergency kit

Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies. This kit should include potable water, non-perishable food for a few days, necessary medications, a first-aid kit, and a portable phone charger (power bank). Keep this “go-bag” easily accessible.

It’s also wise to keep your mobile phones, power banks, and other devices charged in case of power cuts.

Help others

Help others if you can do so safely. Check on neighbours, especially elderly persons, people with disabilities, and those living alone. Ensure children and other family members know basic emergency steps (such as how to drop low and cover their heads).

Avoid the following

During emergency situations, certain actions can put you and others at greater risk or complicate response efforts. Being aware of these potentially harmful behaviours is just as important as knowing what positive steps to take.

Do not spread or believe rumours

Do not spread or believe rumours. In times like these, misinformation can spread rapidly and cause panic. Refrain from forwarding unverified news via WhatsApp, social media, or word of mouth.

Always check whether the information is from an official source (such as government press releases or verified news).

Do not make unnecessary phone calls during emergencies.

Do not make unnecessary phone calls during emergencies. Keep communication lines free for those who truly need them. After any major alert, avoid using phones except for urgent matters.

Instead of voice calls, use SMS or messaging apps if you must communicate; they use less bandwidth and are more likely to go through when networks are busy.

Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary

Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Stay away from windows, open areas, or unknown objects during air-raid alerts or military operations. If instructed to black out, do not use any lights (including candles or torches near windows) that might be visible from outside.

Do not engage in panic buying or hoarding

Do not engage in panic buying or hoarding. Stocking some essentials is wise, but buying in excessive quantities can create shortages for others. Maintain a reasonable supply of food, water, and medicines, but avoid any impulse to hoard goods or fuel. The government and suppliers are working to maintain essential supplies.

Staying Informed via Official Channels

Rely on official government sources for updates. Misinformation is a big challenge during crises, so please stick to communication from authorities. We recommend following these trusted channels for real-time information and guidance:

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for official safety advisories and situation updates. (Follow NDMA’s updates on their official 𝕏 account (twitter), or visit the NDMA website for detailed guidelines.) NDMA often shares instructions on civil defence drills, emergency preparedness, and what steps to take during various scenarios.

Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Government of India for verified news releases and government announcements. (You can follow PIB India on 𝕏 (twitter) for news flashes and clarifications. PIB is the government’s official media communication arm, so it’s a reliable source for factual information.) They also run a fact-check service to debunk false news.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for any security and law/order related updates. (Check the MHA official website for press releases or updates from the Home Ministry. In addition to the above, keep an eye on announcements from local authorities (state and district administration, local police, etc.)

Important Emergency Helpline Numbers

112 – National Emergency

1078 – Disaster Helpline

1800-599-0019 – Mental Health (Kiran)

1098 – Child Helpline

1930 – National Cybercrime Helpline

Workplace Preparedness and Support

For our business partners and those of you who are employers or manage teams, it’s important to extend these safety and wellness measures to the workplace as well. Here are a few considerations for organisations during this time:

Have an emergency plan

Ensure your crisis response and business continuity plans are updated. Identify safe zones within the office and brief all employees on evacuation routes and emergency procedures.

Prioritise staff safety

Where possible, enable remote or flexible working. For on-site teams, keep first-aid kits and basic supplies stocked. Make sure emergency contacts are up-to-date, and your security staff remain alert.

Communicate clearly

Keep your teams informed about any changes – be it closures, revised work hours, or safety measures—via internal channels. Encourage regular check-ins to support mental well-being.

Stay aligned with authorities

Follow government and local administration directives-especially regarding movement restrictions or blackout guidelines. Seek guidance when needed.

Show empathy to customers

If you serve clients or users, keep them informed of any disruptions and approach delays with understanding. A little reassurance goes a long way in times like this.

By taking these steps at the organisational level, employers can create a safer and more reassuring environment for employees and stakeholders. In times of uncertainty, staying calm, informed, and united is our best course of action.

If you have any specific concerns or need assistance related to this situation, you can reach out to us at Onsurity, and we will do our best to help or direct you to the appropriate resources. We are committed to supporting you through this period in every way possible.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take care.

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