LocationsKnowledge That Protects
Pupils in Smederevo Learn How to Respond to Emergency Situations Through Play
April 30, 2026
Smederevo, 29 April 2026 – With the support of the European Union, an educational event and evacuation drill titled “Knowledge That Protects - Responding to Emergency Situations and Acting in Disasters” took place today at “Branislav Nušić” Elementary School in Smederevo, aiming to raise awareness and strengthen children’s practical knowledge of safe behaviour during fires and other emergency situations.
Educational lectures, a knowledge quiz, and practical emergency response exercises, including an evacuation drill, were organised for the pupils of the school. The activities were jointly implemented by experts from the Emergency Management Department of the Sector for Emergency Management, the Red Cross of Smederevo, the Emergency Medical Service, and the City of Smederevo, in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Mayor of the City of Smederevo, Jasmina Vojinović, emphasised the importance of investing in children’s safety and knowledge on this occasion. “Through today’s activities, pupils gained basic knowledge of how to respond to emergency situations and act during disasters, strengthening their awareness of risks and their capacity for timely and responsible action. The knowledge acquired by children today is intended to empower them, help them feel safer, and encourage calm and responsible behaviour in unpredictable circumstances”.
As part of the programme, pupils participated in a series of educational and practical activities. Through a lecture on the basic principles of protection and response in the event of fire, children learned about appropriate behaviour in risky situations. Through practical examples and age-appropriate discussion, they also gained knowledge of first aid and disaster response. The programme was further enhanced by a quiz on public health and fire protection, allowing pupils to test and reinforce their knowledge in an interactive way.
“In the context of climate change and increasingly frequent fires and floods, a rapid and appropriate response, supported by adequate knowledge and preparedness, is crucial for protecting lives. This is why it is essential to invest continuously in education, preparedness, and strengthening community resilience”, said Ivan Baras, Assistant Head of the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of the Interior.
The main part of the event was a practical fire evacuation drill conducted by the Emergency Management Department of the City of Smederevo, designed to highlight the importance of a calm and coordinated response.
“By investing in the knowledge and empowerment of children and young people, we are investing in a safer and more resilient future for society as a whole, because preparedness for emergency situations begins in schools and local communities. It is important that children acquire these skills from an early age, through play, practice, and in a safe environment. This activity is part of a broader initiative focused on strengthening the disaster risk management system and improving the protection of the population across Serbia”, emphasised Jelena Marić Luković, representative of the United Nations Development Programme.
This event was organised within the project “EU for the Healthcare System in Serbia”, funded by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Interior.
