Latvian schools to hold first-ever air threat response drills

This week, four educational institutions in Latvia will hold practical drills to test their preparedness and response plans for air threat situations — the first exercises of their kind since the restoration of Latvia's independence. The drills are organized by the Interior Ministry in cooperation with the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD).

The initiative follows amendments to the Education Law passed by the Saeima on July 23, which establish obligations for municipalities and educational institutions to ensure continuity of the education system in the event of a threat. Under the law, municipal schools must develop business continuity plans, including a specific action algorithm for threat situations.

Interior Ministry advisor Vilmārs Vecvagaris explains that this is the first time since independence was restored that such practical drills are being organized together with schools. He stresses that it is not enough for schools to have prepared response plans — those plans must also be tested in practice. The drills will help identify shortcomings and clarify what still needs improvement so that school staff and students know how to act in the event of an air threat.

Gaps already identified

During the planning process, several issues requiring improvement in schools' response plans have already been identified. During the practical exercises, representatives of the State Fire and Rescue Service will assess how school staff and students respond to various possible air threat scenarios.

Each drill will be followed by a separate analysis, while an overall evaluation of results will take place once the full training cycle concludes. The findings are intended to help municipalities and schools refine their continuity plans and, where necessary, update existing guidelines.

The drills will take place at four schools: September 23 at 9:40 at Liepāja's Liedaga Secondary School, the same day at 10:00 at Aknīste Secondary School in Jēkabpils municipality, September 24 at 10:00 at Riga's 64th Secondary School, and September 25 at 10:00 at Ogresgals Primary School in Ogre municipality.