Created in the early stage of WWII, this propaganda and recruiting film was intended to educate ordinary Americans about some of their responsibilities at the “home front”. This might include serving as Air Raid Wardens, Civil Defense Workers, or in services such as the Driver’s Corps (whose members were trained in first aid and auto repair) or as messengers. The film includes a brief excerpt from a speech by President Roosevelt, and uses the British auxiliary services as an example of how the civilian can serve.

Air raid wardens carried the preparedness message and education to most city blocks and communities around the USA. Both men and women volunteered, attended warden schools, and put in long hours to help protect the state in the event of an attack. They brought what they learned back to their neighborhoods where they played the role of teacher, coach, inspector, and commander.

The system worked on the concept of collective responsibility for the protection of the block and the neighborhood, and a weak link in the chain could be disastrous. Citizens were reminded of their duty to assist and cooperate with their air raid warden. They also had a responsibility to prepare their homes for the possibility of a bombing: “You will not protect it with alibis and good thoughts. If your neighbor takes no interest in this program he has become a hazard to you.”

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com