Concerns regarding the safety of students in schools and kindergartens are mounting as local governments navigate the logistical challenges of implementing emergency preparedness plans. During a recent meeting of the Saeima Education, Culture and Science Committee, officials emphasized the urgent need to move beyond basic guidelines and address the practical realities of infrastructure limitations across the country.
Inara Dundure, representing the LSS, noted that while the Crisis Management Center and the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) have provided foundational information, each institution must now develop tailored action plans. Dundure stressed that this preparatory work is critical, noting that the experience in Valmiera has demonstrated that threat areas can be more extensive than initially anticipated, a reality that necessitates a nationwide effort, with a specific focus on the Latgale region.
The implementation of these safety measures has sparked debate, particularly regarding the “two walls” principle. This recommendation suggests that in the event of a threat, individuals should retreat to a room protected by at least two walls from the building’s exterior. Daugavpils local government head Andris Elksniņš argued that this requirement is largely impossible to fulfill in the majority of existing educational facilities.
Elksniņš pointed to the acute lack of suitable space in kindergartens, noting that educators often find themselves with only a few square meters of corridor space to house large groups of children. He further highlighted that standard school buildings—with their extensive use of windows in classrooms, corridors, and sports halls—are ill-equipped for such protocols. He suggested that the long-term solution may lie in the construction of new institutions designed specifically to meet modern safety requirements.
Ivars Nakurts, deputy head of the SFRS, acknowledged that many designated shelters are not yet ready for use, even where European Regional Development Fund support has been secured. He advocated for a flexible approach, suggesting that schools utilize available basements where possible or identify the safest areas within existing structures. As an alternative, Nakurts pointed to the necessity of organizing remote learning if facilities cannot be adequately secured.
Moving forward, the situation is likely to involve a period of rapid assessment for school districts that have yet to formalize their safety plans. It is expected that local governments will face continued pressure to reconcile existing building constraints with the directives provided by national safety agencies, potentially leading to increased reliance on temporary measures like remote learning models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “two walls” principle?
It is a safety recommendation that suggests individuals stay in a room during a threat where there are at least two walls between them and the outside of the building.
Are school shelters currently available for use?
According to the SFRS, shelters are not currently recommended because many are not yet ready, as the process of equipping them takes time even when funding is available.
What alternatives are suggested if a school building is deemed unsafe?
Officials have suggested that schools utilize school basements if they meet safety requirements, designate specific “safe places” in corridors, or organize remote learning as a potential alternative.
What measures do you believe should be prioritized to ensure student safety in older school buildings?
