Large-scale emergency drill at GO! Atheneum Geraardsbergen

Police, fire brigade, and MUG team test readiness with student evacuation on Thursday, October 8.

Emergency drill with first responder vehicles outside a school in Flanders.
AI

Emergency drill with first responder vehicles outside a school in Flanders.

A large-scale emergency drill, focusing on the evacuation of students, will take place at the GO! Atheneum site in Geraardsbergen on Thursday, October 8, 2026.

The exercise involves the deployment of the police, fire brigade, ambulances, and a MUG team. Mayor Fernand Van Trimpont, responsible for Safety, emphasized the importance of such simulations. "These exercises allow us to test and further improve our procedures, emergency response, and readiness, ensuring swift and efficient action in the event of a real emergency," the mayor stated.
Residents, students, and their parents are being informed that this is a simulation. The public is urged not to call the emergency number 112 during the drill to maintain its availability for genuine emergencies.
A parking and traffic ban will be in effect near the school in Papiermolenstraat on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 2 PM to accommodate fire brigade vehicles. Residents needing to exit or access their garages or driveways will be permitted to pass. Home care services and other medical assistance will also have access.
Based on information from the official source: Stad Geraardsbergen (02/10/2026)