What to do (and not do) during heavy rain and flood alerts in France

The French official weather forecaster Météo France operates at four levels of alert for storms:

Green: No danger

Yellow: Be vigilant if you are planning outdoor activities

Orange: Be careful when out of the home, dangerous weather is expected, cancel plans outdoors if possible

Red: Extreme vigilance required, exceptionally dangerous weather is expected

If a red alert situation is declared, it is likely that you will also receive an alert through your mobile phone’s emergency text service, informing you of all necessary precautions.

The government has issued instructions on what to do if you are informed of a sudden flood.

Stay indoors

It may seem obvious, but in the event of a severe storm warning, you should stay inside. Work from home if you can, and postpone any trip whether by foot or car.

Do not rush to pick-up your children at school

If you receive an emergency alert on your mobile phone, you should not go to pick up your children at school.

Schools are fully equipped to deal with natural disasters, whether floods, tornadoes or an earthquake. All classrooms have emergency supplies, and teachers and students are drilled every year to practise safe evacuation procedures.

The rescue services may be hindered by parents gathering in front of schools with their cars in dangerous conditions. Your children will be taken care of by staff, which includes nurses.

That is why you should not go to pick-up your children, unless explicitly asked by authorities.

Make your home as safe as possible

If you can, avoid ground floor or underground areas. Staying elevated makes you safer in the event of a flood. Stay away from windows as hail, strong winds or falling objects may break them.

Turn off gas, electricity and ventilation, lock all doors and windows, reinforcing gaps with tape or fabric if needed.

Read also: France storm warnings continue: tips on how to secure your property

Do not drive

Only a few centimetres of water can make you lose control of your car. Strong currents can also prevent you from opening your car door.

Read also: Vehicles, homes: claiming compensation for weather damage in France

Stay away from water and trees

Waterbanks become very hazardous during storms, as the ground gets muddy and slippery. Water levels can also rise abruptly.

If you hear thunder, then you should also avoid hiding under trees, especially if they are the highest point around. In dense cities, most tall buildings are equipped with lightning rods.

Stay informed and communicate with friends and family

Keep your phone charged but try to avoid phone calls so as to not flood the lines. Emergency services will be needing them, so use text and messaging apps if you can.

Use text messaging to stay in touch with friends and family, making sure they are safe. If you are aware of vulnerable or elderly neighbours, check-in on them however you can and make sure they are safe too.

Local government will be communicating through your phone’s emergency text service. In the event of natural disasters, only leave the safety of your home when invited to.

If already in a car

If you get caught by a storm or a flood while driving, park on the side of the road away from slopes, trees and pylons. Then turn on hazard lights and call emergency services, either sapeurs-pompiers at 18 or the European emergency number at 112.

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