Released just days after Britain joining the Second World War in September 1939, Do It Now was a government-produced film containing wartime advice. The film contained government advice to the people of Britain which demonstrated what to do and what not to do now that war has come.
From listening to and taking instruction over the wireless and newspapers to building an air raid shelter and avoiding panic buying food, the film contains several useful pieces of wartime advice to help the people of Britain.
Below are some of the top tips from the film.
“You are now going to see a short film which shows some things you must do in wartime and some things you must not do. Actually, the film was taken during those last fateful days in August when it became plain that Hitler intended war. Now war has come. The things appearing in the film as possibilities are now facts. And the film intended as a warning for the future becomes advice for the present. Advice to be heard and taken here and now.”
1. DO take government advice seriously
“While information and instruction will be given over the wireless and in the newspapers. Pay no attention to rumours.”
2. DON'T listen to rumours
“If you are provided with a steel shelter and have not erected it do so at once. First, dig a pit four feet deep, then build your shelter inside it.”
3. DO build an air raid shelter
“Avoid panic buying. There are plenty of food supplies in the country. Those who have laid in an emergency food supply should not consume it now.”
4. DON'T panic buy food
“Clear your month of all junk to minimise risk of fire. Have buckets of water and sand on every landing. If you have no sand, use dried earth.”
5. DO practice sensible fire safety
“Do not use the telephone except for very short, urgent messages.”
“I’m sorry but I’m still engaged.”
“You know I like tweed, darling, look at my line.”
“I’m so sorry, the number is still engaged.”
“You may be causing delay to vital calls.”
6. DON'T make unnecessary telephone calls
“Always keep you gas mark handy in the house. Never go out without it. This hand rattle means gas. Put on your gas mask and keep it on. Do not be alarmed of noise of an air raid, much of it will be the noise of [inaudible]. When the sirens sound a long, steady, unbroken signal, it means that the raiders have passed. If there has been gas, wait until you hear this bell. It will tell you when there is no longer any danger of gas. Only then is it safe to leave your shelter and remove your gas mask.”
7. DO keep your gas mask handy at all times
“Railway and road services will be drastically reduced and subject to alteration at short notice. If you have made plans to go away, remember that the government has its own plans for the evacuation of school children and others. Your arrangements must not interfere with these.”
8. DON'T interfere with government travel arrangements
“When you hear the warning signals take cover at once. You may hear a siren rising and falling in pitch, or [inaudible] sounding short blasts. The warning may also be given by short signals on police whistles.”
9. DO take cover when the air raid warning sounds
“No-one in this country of ours wants war but don’t be alarmed, keep a good heart. Britain is a patient head.”
