An exercise simulating rocket strikes will take place Thursday in all schools and kindergartens in Israel. The exercise was planned in advance as a part of the 2013 training schedule and will be conducted by the Home Front Command, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the Israel Police, Magen David Adom, the Israeli Fire and Rescue Services and local authorities.
The exercise is scheduled for mid-morning with a siren that will be heard across Israel (with the exception of Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip) by Home Front Command alarm systems. In addition, text messages will be sent to mobile phones and a siren will be heard on all regional radio stations.
The exercise will be conducted in all kindergartens and schools in Israel in order to increase the readiness of the Israeli education system for such scenarios and will provide guidance for appropriate conduct during and following these scenarios. For the first time, a strong emphasis will be placed on the rapid movement of children from schools and kindergartens into the nearest secure areas.
Moreover, the exercise will test the cooperation between local authorities and education establishments with the Home Front Command, emergency organizations and volunteers.
Recently, several drills were held in different educational institutions and instructions were given to students by Home Front Command instructors. The Home Front Command, along with the Ministry of Education, will continue to increase readiness of all educational establishments in order to contend with issues that may arise during emergencies.
This readiness is constantly tested as a part of the routine exercise apparatus. The guidance provided during these exercises can play a critical role in saving lives.