THE DEPARTMENT of Education urged public schools to hold surprise fire and earthquake drills to assure students and teachers will be prepared in such incidents and calamities.

“Let us keep our learners, personnel, and schools safe from the harms of fire, earthquakes, and other calamities through effective preparation and simulation exercises,” DepEd said.

Under DepEd Order 53, schools must conduct the drills regularly.

“As the nation observes Fire Prevention Month this March, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminds all public schools to ensure the conduct of unannounced fire and earthquake drills every first and third week of the month,” it added.

According to DepEd, private schools and other educational institutions may modify the frequency of surprise exercises to properly prepare students, instructors, and non-teaching staff for disasters.

“Likewise, private schools, community learning centers, and state/local universities and colleges are also encouraged to adopt the provisions of the said DO,” it added.