Jekabpils school tests response to airspace threat

Jekabpils Secondary School No. 3 has for the first time rehearsed how to respond to an airspace threat, LSM reported, as schools across Latvia take part in Security Week.

Schools have been encouraged during the week to discuss safety and practise how to act in different emergency situations. In Jekabpils, pupils and teachers tested their readiness by moving to pre-designated safe places chosen according to the two-wall principle.

Teachers counted pupils to check that everyone had reached safety. They also had to call the school management and report the teacher’s name, class, number of pupils present and enrolled, their location and the situation.

Most pupils knew what to do and remained calm, but some, particularly younger children, were frightened. First-grade teacher Ineta Cirpone said several pupils initially cried, but she reassured them that they were together and were learning what to do.

Older pupils also said they felt anxious despite having been told about the exercise in advance. Sixth-grader Uģis said it felt strange and frightening because it was his first time taking part, but he understood afterwards that it was a drill. He said the exercises would help pupils know more precisely where to go next time.

Eighth-grader Sintija said she had worried that something might happen, but teachers had explained what could and could not occur. After the pupils moved downstairs, they were told everything would be all right, and they sat waiting calmly for the exercise to end.

Seventh-grader Ernests said sitting in the corridor was unpleasant and that he would rather be studying. Mathematics teacher Lidija Lazdāne said pupils initially found the exercise amusing, but after a few minutes understood that it was serious.