Latvia to conduct first air threat drills in schools

For the first time since the restoration of Latvian independence, schools will undergo practical drills to test readiness and action plans in the event of an air threat. The exercises are organized by the Ministry of the Interior in cooperation with the State Fire and Rescue Service.

These drills follow amendments to the Law on Education passed by the Saeima on July 23, which mandate that municipalities and educational institutions develop continuity plans and action algorithms to ensure the stability of the education system during emergencies.

Advisor to the Minister of the Interior, Vilmārs Vecvagaris, stated that the goal is to move beyond prepared plans and test them in practice to identify gaps and improvements. Representatives from the State Fire and Rescue Service will evaluate the responses of school staff and students under various air threat scenarios. The findings will be used to refine continuity plans and guidelines.

The scheduled drills include Liepāja Liedaga Secondary School on September 23, Aknīste Secondary School in Jēkabpils municipality on September 23, Riga Secondary School No. 64 on September 24, and Ogresgala Primary School in Ogre municipality on September 25.