Particular Safety Plan (PPMS): What to do in case of a crisis situation in schools?

Posted on: 2024-11-22

Implemented in French schools, the Particular Safety Plan (PPMS) is a civil safety plan designed to prepare for any type of disaster, whether natural, technological, or human (fire, flood, storm, terrorist attack, nuclear accident, heatwave, etc.) within educational establishments. The goal of this plan is to set up an internal organization to ensure the safety of students and staff until help arrives or until the alert is lifted. This plan should help address several key questions: When and how to trigger the alert? Where and how to secure the students? How to manage communication with the outside world? What instructions should be followed immediately?

Since 2010, the team at Freezedried & Co – a company based in Brittany – has developed solid expertise in advising and providing food and equipment for emergency situations for NGOs, fire and rescue services, police, institutions, and European delegations. In this article, we highlight three main points to consider when developing a PPMS for nursery and primary schools, as well as for middle and high schools.

Food, to help students wait

Managing a group of adults, children, or teenagers is a real skill in case of a disaster. The perception of time varies from one person to another depending on their ability to assess the situation. Between the onset of the incident and the securing of the area (arrival of help, lifting of the alert), different waiting phases may follow one another. Food, particularly snacks, can help reassure and keep people calm during these times.

Among all the available food solutions, long-lasting biscuits remain a good alternative:

  • These snacks have a shelf life of 3 to 20 years. They limit stock rotation,
  • They are compact, lightweight, and can be eaten directly by opening the packet,
  • They are perfectly suited for children,
  • Various flavors are available (savory or sweet).

Custom-made packs are also available with individual sachets inside, making food distribution easier.

It is also possible to create custom rations or kits based on your needs with the help of our team by sending your request via email to team(at)lyophilise.com or by calling us at +33 2 97 87 23 73.

Water to prevent dehydration

Dehydration affects physical functions and abilities, so anticipating with a reserve of potable water helps limit these risks.

Prefer water in barrels for its many practical advantages:

  • A water barrel has a larger capacity than a plastic bottle and can hold up to 5 liters,
  • It is perfectly airtight, even in the event of a shock,
  • It is ideal for groups thanks to its tap, making it easy to pour water into cups or bottles,
  • Its weight is relatively light (5.4 kg when full), making it easy to transport if needed,
  • It has a shelf life of about ten years, unlike a regular water bottle, which only lasts for two years

First aid equipment to ensure safety and provide first aid

To ensure the safety of students, it is important to have (at least) a first aid kit with all the essential materials to handle emergency situations. Be sure to equip each strategic location and gathering point in your school with the necessary supplies

Reminder: The PPMS must be tested at least once a year. Make sure your first aid equipment is always up to date

Here is a non-exhaustive list of materials:

  • Sterile compresses
  • Disposable gloves
  • Round-tipped scissors
  • Bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Survival blanket
  • Elastic bandages
  • ...

Additionally, we recommend having a portable radio with you to stay informed about the situation, as well as a whistle to signal your presence to rescuers or to gather students at the designated assembly points in the PPMS plan.

In conclusion

Three essential points when setting up a Specific Safety Plan (PPMS) in schools and other educational establishments:

  1. Regarding food: Favor long-lasting snacks and biscuits, which offer many advantages and help avoid rapid stock rotation.
  2. For water: Consider using water barrels (instead of plastic bottles, which don't store as long) as they allow you to store more liters without taking up more space. You can also add cups near your water stock to be fully self-sufficient.
  3. Regarding equipment: Regularly update your emergency kits. Don’t hesitate to check that nothing is expired and that everything is still usable.

These points can also be applied to the implementation of a Municipal Safeguard Plan (PCS) – designed for town halls and local municipalities in France

    For any additional information or to create a quote, the Lyophilise & Co team is available by email and phone to advise you and discuss the most suitable solutions for your needs (based on the number of people, number of days, various dietary requirements, as well as the desired shelf life of the products, etc.).

    A Word About Lyophilise & Co 🌶

    Based in Lorient, Lyophilise & Co is the go-to reference for freeze-dried meals and high-quality outdoor gear. Whether you're a hiker, skipper, trail runner, bushcraft enthusiast, or bivouac lover, we offer a wide range of technical products tailored to all your adventures. With over 2,000 items available, we support your expeditions in France and abroad.

    If you have any questions, our experts are here to help and will gladly assist you:

    ☎ +33 (0)2 97 87 23 73
    ✉ team[at]lyophilise.com

    We also have a showroom open Monday to Friday:

    📍 6 bis rue du Sous-Marin Vénus, 56100 Lorient, France

    Posted in: Survival

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