Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 362)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 362 is to prescribe rules and regulations concerning the conduct of persons during obscuration of lights (blackouts) and during air raids to protect the population and facilitate emergency responses.
The National Emergency Commission is responsible for giving notice that there shall be obscuration of lights (blackout) for protection against air raids.
Exempted exterior lights include lights from lighthouses and lighted aids to navigation, lights from street lamps, automobiles, tracks, railroad locomotives, other vehicles on highways or rails, and authorized traffic signals.
Vehicles may continue in motion as long as their lights are covered with thick masks or shields that prevent the upward glare of light.
All interior lights within buildings, houses, and structures must be extinguished or, if light is necessary, it must be screened from view so only downward rays are obtained or shaded by blinds, curtains, or dark paint.
Lighthouses and lighted aids to navigation must be extinguished upon order of the proper local authority based on regulations by the Chief of the Lighthouse Service, taking into account the safety of vessels underway.
Kindling open fires outdoors, flashing any kind of light, creating flame, sparks, or glare, and spreading false alarms or causing panic are prohibited.
All vehicles must immediately stop at the side of streets and remain at a standstill until the 'all clear' signal is sounded, except emergency or government vehicles with screened lights.
Watercraft must immediately extinguish all lights except the red and green side lights which must be shielded; they must anchor or moor in the nearest available location and turn off side lights as soon as safe.
All persons not officially connected with war operations or civilian relief must stay away from open spaces, streets, and alleys and keep under cover from the moment the air-raid alarm sounds until the 'all clear' signal.
No, the provisions do not apply to operations of the armed forces of the United States and the Philippines or acts done pursuant to orders from competent officers of these forces.
It takes effect immediately upon signing on August 15, 1941.
Yes, the order applies also to blackouts ordered by the National Emergency Commission for training the population or testing traffic movement devices.