Egypt's Education Ministry orders school safety overhaul

Egypt's Ministry of Education has directed all schools to implement urgent preventive safety measures including fire-safety checks and evacuation drills.

• The ministry ordered schools to review all fire extinguishers, attach inspection cards, and repair malfunctioning water lines with the Buildings Authority.
• Schools must replace glass classroom windows with acrylic panels and inspect electrical wiring to prevent shorts and fires.
• The ministry required at least one evacuation drill per semester and signage marking escape routes and safe assembly points.
• Fire officers must be trained in emergency procedures, with extinguishers distributed per each school's safety plan, the ministry said.