Greenbelt cooperator., 1941-12-26

The council concluded that it
would work out its program alone,
basing its organization and tunc-
tions upon what it can learn from
London and other cities which
have already undergone air raids.
Fire Fighting Squad Ready
Director of Public Safety George
Panagoulis reported that classes
have already begun instructing
volunteers in afraid precautions.
Although he was given but three
hours notice, Mr.. Panagoulis
stated that messengers were re-
layed throughout the town inform
ing all citizens of practice black
out that was held last Friday
night. About 80 per cent of the
citizens responded by turning out
their lights for about ten minutes
at 9 p. m. The Council felt that
the air raid alarm, tested for the
first time Sunday morning, was not
a sufficient warning since it could
not be heard distinctly in the far
corners of town. More tests will
be held in the future to determine
the best location of the siren so
that its sound will carry to every
part of Greenbelt. Mr.. Panagoulis
was instructed to present at the
next Council meeting map OF
the town showing the various air
raid posts, and the names of the
responsible persons in charge of
each shelter. Thirty-five auxiliary
firemen are funct:oning on day
shift and twenty more are learn
ing to use the fire-fghting equip
ment.
First Aid Glasses Formed
DIR. Silagy reported that Green
belt medical services, although
limited, will have to be extended
to Berwyn, Branchville and Belts
vile in time Of emergency. He
presented plan of operations
for the establishment of first-aid
stations in strategic places about
town, with trained personnel to
handle all minor injuries in case
of raids. Glasses will be held to
train a group of volunteers in
direct first-aid treatment.
The Elementary School will
probably be the local casualty sta
ton where all injured will receive
medical attention. If necessary, the
injured may have to be removed
to our local hospital for urgent
attention or treatment or may
be evacuated to Washington hos
pitals. Plans for camoufaging the
local hospital and for making it
more comfortable place to treat
casualties in time of emergency
are already under way.
A committee of three was ap-
pointed by Chairman Ed Walther
to study the present set-up of the
Defense Councils functioning
units and to suggest a reorganiza-
ton so that each unit will have a
definite task to perform and work
in harmony with the others in the
task. of providing adequate defense
for the citizens of Greenbelt. The
committee will suggest. the titles
by which the heads of the various
units will lbe known, will describe
their duties, and will study the re-
lationship of the Defense Council
to the local town administration.
Arthur Rysticken was appointed
as chairman of this committee and
he will be assisted by Francis Fos-
night and Harry Rhodes.
Arrest of Violators Asked
An ordinance will be presented
at the next town council meeting
requesting fines for people vio-
lating emergency instructions.
Persons on the street who have
no right to be out in time of a
blackout or air raid alarm would
be liable to arrest, under this or
dinance.
The Council decided that it
would discourage residents who
may be willing to devote time to
local defense needs if they are
working in vital defense positions
which may make it necessary for
them to be away from Greenbelt