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Schools Prepared: Evacuation Drills and Guidelines

Published March 3, 2026, 17:21
Schools Prepared: Evacuation Drills and Guidelines

Schools in Cyprus are prepared for potential emergency situations, such as earthquakes or hostilities, with the Ministry of Education issuing guidelines and conducting readiness exercises. According to Dr. Elias Markatzis, Head of the Office of Civil Defense, Security and Health of the Ministry of Education, schools are prepared for the evacuation of students and staff from the school premises, the building, and the classrooms. In the event of hostilities, protocols require staying at school and following specific instructions within the classroom, while if the danger passes, evacuation is carried out in an orderly manner to a predetermined gathering point. Readiness exercises focus on evacuating the school and the building, aiming for the smooth and safe removal of all involved. The Ministry of Education is awaiting instructions from competent state bodies, such as the Ministry of Interior, the Police, and Civil Defense, to deal with potentially complex situations that may require military intervention. The goal is to avoid panic, but also to ensure readiness to deal with any threat. A circular has been sent to schools with simplified information regarding the actions to be taken in the event of hostilities, based on general instructions that have already been transmitted. The circular aims to automate reactions and quickly implement appropriate protection measures.