Floods, storms, forest fires… the 4 actions to anticipate before the arrival of an extreme weather event
1st step: Learn about the risks for less danger
44% of French people feel exposed to natural risks, without always knowing them well.
Find out more on the website georisks.gouv.fr by entering your address. Depending on its degree of exposure, your municipality has provided emergency arrangements such as shelters or assembly points.
Step 2: Put together an emergency bag, in case of need
In an easy to carry bagstore several liters of water per person in the household and non-perishable food. Put together a first aid kit. In a waterproof pouch, slip a photocopy of your identity and insurance documents, cash, a cell phone charger, a copy of your house and car keys. Don’t hesitate to bring a whistle and a flashlight to signal for help.
Also take a (new) battery-powered radio: in the event of a power outage, it will be invaluable for listening to essential information on public radio (France Bleu network).
3rd step: Learn and know the actions that save
Alone one in ten French people believes he knows very well the gestures that save, reports the Red Cross. However, during a natural disaster, with medical response times being long, it is vital that residents are able to help themselves.
The Red Cross now offers a hybrid training module (first part remotely, second in person) to train in first aid.
Step 4: Be ready for warning signs
Since 2022, in the event of danger (natural, industrial or other), FR-Alert triggers an audible signal on mobile phones, even when placed in silent mode. The latter communicates instructions to follow: evacuate or stay at home – it can be dangerous to go out and clog the roads – do not pick up children from school, only telephone in an emergency, etc.
You can also be warned by the sirens, which sound on the first Wednesday of the month at noon in most towns. In the event of an alert, these sirens sound their signal 3 times in a row at 5 second intervals.
Finally, stick to official messages, without relaying rumors that disrupt emergency services.