The President and the Mayor of Rezekne Came Up with a Way to Make Emergency Alerts Clearer 0 9

The President's communication advisor, Martins Dregeris, reported that during the meeting, the parties discussed the current situation in Rezekne in connection with the recently declared threat to Latvia's airspace, as well as the involvement and actions of local government in ensuring civil defense measures, including notifying the population and assisting in crisis preparedness.

"The main discussion was about security issues, drone arrivals, and the situation in which Rezekne and Latgale find themselves. Regarding alerts, we talked about how they do not always work well and people do not always receive warnings and all-clear signals. The President promised to look into this," said Tutins.

The possibility of splitting the orange alert level into two options was also discussed. Tutins explained that currently, an orange alert means ensuring the principle of two walls, and, for example, classes in schools and kindergartens are interrupted, and students are taken to hallways or other safer windowless rooms.

"The President promised to promote the idea that the orange alert could be divided into two parts. The first option is when there is uncertainty about the drone, there is a possible threat, and it is not necessary to look for a safe place, but rather to look up, listen, and see if something is flying overhead. The second option is when there is complete certainty that a drone is over Latvia, and then there will be an alert with specific necessary actions," the mayor explained.

Officials also discussed the right of local governments to autonomously make immediate decisions in emergency and crisis situations if there is a threat, for example, to the residents of the municipality, state and municipal educational institutions, and municipal enterprises.

"Local governments are different. Rezekne and the Rezekne region are under the jurisdiction of one civil defense commission. But it may happen that we need a commission decision, and the region does not, or vice versa," said the Mayor of Rezekne.

Both officials agreed that the main principles of action should come from the state, however, the algorithms and action plans should be developed by local governments.