Polish schools are preparing for air raids in accordance with new guidelines

Schools and kindergartens in Poland have received detailed guidelines on how to respond to an air threat, as well as on the procedures for declaring and lifting an air raid alert. The document outlines the responsibilities of principals, teachers, and staff members, as well as requirements for the setup of shelters.

 

The Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration has provided educational authorities with instructions on how schools and kindergartens should respond during an air raid threat. Once an air raid alert is declared, children must remain inside the building and proceed to a predetermined safe location. They must not be taken outside.

An exception is possible only if remaining in the building poses a direct threat to the children’s lives or health. In such a case, the facility is evacuated as directed by the relevant authorities, who also determine a safe route.

“If the building’s layout permits, two walls should be placed between the passenger living area and the exterior wall. An interior corridor may be used if it is not exposed to falling objects,” the instructions state.

Shelters must be accessible throughout the entire workday and prepared for a possible power outage. The premises must be equipped with flashlights, emergency lighting, and, if possible, battery-powered radios or other means of communication.

There should also be a supply of water, first-aid kits, hygiene supplies, trash bags, sanitary supplies, blankets, and spare batteries. Food, diapers, and a change of clothes should be provided for young children.

Once an alarm is sounded, the teacher stops the lesson and escorts the children to the designated shelter. Students must leave their personal belongings in the classroom. The teacher takes attendance and informs the principal or the designated staff member that all children are in a safe place.

Staff members responsible for the hallways, restrooms, and coatrooms must direct the children from those areas to the nearest designated shelter.

The principal must designate staff members who will be responsible for guiding children to the shelter, communicating with authorities and emergency services, and contacting parents. Each staff member must know their duties and understand what to do if they need to be replaced.

Parents must be informed in advance of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. Once an alarm is sounded, children remain under the supervision of school or preschool staff.

Parents are not permitted to pick up their children during an alarm. They also must not gather near the facility or block evacuation routes.

The principal must conduct training and drills for staff and children, particularly after changes to the shelter location, evacuation route, staff composition, or response procedures.

Source: Polish Press Agency

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