Experiences in organizing and implementing evacuation drills for people at risk from educational facilities

Abstract

Regular evacuation drills for those at risk in public facilities are important for employees and visitors, as they increase efficiency and reduce the risk of consequences in real fire situations and other emergencies. They are especially important for facilities used by educational institutions, as large numbers of children and young people also stay in them. Well-prepared, organized, and implemented exercises in these institutions allow for testing alarm systems, evacuation plans and routes, procedures, and employee and child actions, as well as for reducing fear and panic. When planning these exercises, it is of great importance to carry out detailed preparation for all key actors involved in their implementation: the director, civil protection commissioners, teachers, instructors, professors, and administrative and technical staff. After the exercise is completed, it is also necessary to analyze all activities, identify areas for greater efficiency, and draw lessons, conclusions, and measures for the future. The authors participated in analyzing the activities conducted, with special emphasis on the organizational aspects of the exercises and the identification of critical points in the evacuation process. In the previous period, 16 evacuation exercises were organized and conducted in all primary and secondary schools in the City of Sremska Mitrovica. This paper will present experiences within the framework of activities to prepare employees and teaching staff for the exercise, possible shortcomings, difficulties, and threats during the exercise, and lessons learned after analyzing the exercise with all key stakeholders. The results confirm that a systematic approach to planning, implementing, and analyzing evacuation exercises is a key factor in reducing risks and increasing safety in educational institutions.