The different types of PPMS alerts and alarms

The Specific Emergency Response Plan (PPMS) is emerging as an essential tool for anticipating and managing emergency situations. Indeed, it covers major risks, including natural disasters and industrial accidents. But also the risk of terrorist attack or external intrusion, which is at the heart of today's concerns. It is therefore more essential than ever to understand the different types of PPMS alerts and alarms. The Specific Emergency Response Plan (PPMS) is of paramount importance in determining which alarm to trigger, whether for evacuation or lockdown.

The PPMS Alert for Major Risks

The first component of the PPMS focuses on managing major risks, which can be of several types:

The main objective of the PPMS is to develop protocols for evacuation and lockdown tailored to each emergency situation. The alarm for these situations can be a continuous or pulsed sound, indicating the start of the evacuation or lockdown. In this regard, CountAct can assist you in choosing the appropriate alarm model, offering several models suited to each situation:

type 4 alarms with a red unit, well known for evacuations

PPMS alarms with a different colored unit for lockdowns

CountAct offers you a catalog of alarms tailored to your needs. You can contact us directly by email at countact@countact.fr or by booking a 30-minute slot via this link.

The PPMS Attack-Intrusion Alert

In this situation, the PPMS alarm is triggered in response to an intrusion threat or an imminent terrorist attack. The PPMS alarm may differ from the one used during natural disasters, often characterized by a more strident or distinct sound, or even accompanied by a voice alert message. When this PPMS alarm is triggered, a lockdown protocol must be followed. As a reminder, during a terrorist attack, the 3C rule must be followed: Run, Hide, and Fight. In cases where escape is impossible and a lockdown must be carried out, here are the steps to follow:

Take shelter

Lock doors and windows if possible

Hide in secure locations

Remain silent

Contact the authorities whenever possible.

Thanks to the CountAct application, you can access your facility's floor plan, the number of students/people present, and the correct actions to take.

PPMS Alarms for Bomb Threats

Finally, the last case in which a PPMS alarm is triggered is when a bomb threat is reported or an explosive device is discovered. This situation in schools has become very common. The PPMS alarm can be distinguished by intermittent or specific sounds to indicate a bomb threat. Whether it is an alarm with a voice announcement or a fire-type alarm, evacuation is imperative. A key point concerns the evacuation instructions. Indeed, you must evacuate while taking your personal belongings with you to facilitate the work of bomb disposal teams during the threat assessment. In this regard, the CountAct application allows you to carry out an evacuation as efficiently as possible. It will guide and assist you throughout the evacuation, by interconnecting the various strategic stakeholders to ensure it runs smoothly.

CountAct offers an application within arm's reach to manage emergencies. In conclusion, training and raising awareness among staff about the different PPMS alarm sounds and protocols proves essential. As a reminder, schools must carry out at least two safety drills per year, including at least one intrusion alert drill. Preparation is key. Combined with these alarms, the CountAct application is an excellent co-pilot. Indeed, it will allow you to manage a crisis situation regardless of its nature, thanks to its flexible, adaptable, and fully customizable solution based on the types of risks you are exposed to.