Published at December, 14 2023
Updated on September, 18 2024
How to behave responsibly during heavy rainfall and floods
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France’s Ministry of the Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, with support from the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas France, has re-launched its annual information and education campaign for the benefit of populations exposed to intense Mediterranean rainfall, torrential waterflow and flooding. Let’s behave responsibly to save lives.
Understanding natural risks and protecting yourself
In France, flooding is the leading natural hazard in terms of the damage it causes, the number of municipalities affected, the extent of flood-prone areas and the number of people living in these areas. The area most at risk in mainland France is the Mediterranean, where intense rainfall can cause sudden flooding, mainly between August and December.
Behaviour to adopt in the event of intense rainfall or flash flooding
Stay indoors
Postpone any planned trips on foot or by car. Either stay or go inside a building.
Avoid travelling
Leave your children in the safety of their school.
Take refuge upstairs
Take refuge in a high place (upstairs, in an attic, on the roof).
Cut off supply networks
If possible, without putting yourself in danger, cut off the gas and electricity supply as well as the heating.
Avoid driving
Do not use your car, as it can be swept away by the current even in just a few centimetres of water.
Do not go underground
Do not enter a basement or underground car park.
Stay away from waterways
Keep away from waterways, riverbanks and bridges. To avoid lightning, do not take shelter under a tree.
Stay informed
Keep up-to-date with the situation and observe any instructions issued by the emergency services and/or the local council.
Look out for others
Look out for vulnerable and isolated people, and communicate via SMS to leave telephone lines available for the emergency services.
Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit in advance
Be prepared! Your 72-hour emergency kit will allow you to stay at home until the emergency services arrive. This kit could also be useful if you have to leave home quickly.
You live in an overseas territory
Find out about the behaviour to adopt in your specific region !
How can I be warned of the risk of flooding?
Vigicrues is the flood risk information service for the main waterways in France. Flood surveillance and forecasting is carried out by the Vigicrues network of the French Ministry of the Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion.
Meteo-France issues weather warnings for all citizens and public authorities in the event of hazardous weather events, for the current day and the following day. These weather warnings are additional to the usual weather reports.
The Géorisques platform allows you to find out what the risks are specifically in your region.
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