The storm that hit Corsica on Thursday could mark the start of a risky season at the meteorological level.
Every year, from the end of summer until mid-December, numerous stormy episodes accompanied by heavy rains occur everywhere in France and more particularly in the South-East and around the Mediterranean.
This phenomenon could be particularly strong this year, due to the scorching summer that affected the whole of France.
If the public authorities (municipalities, prefectures, general services, etc.) do their best to anticipate and limit the risks of flooding, it "
is important to remember that everyone must be an actor in their own safety
", underlines the Ministry of the Ecological Transition.
A short, non-exhaustive summary of the main behaviors to adopt to protect yourself and others.
Stay informed
Flood risk forecasts are regularly communicated.
They are accessible to the general public via the website (www.vigicrues.gouv.fr) or via the Vigicrues application.
This free application allows you to receive personalized warnings on your phone.
There is also the automatic warning service APIC (warning on intense rains at the scale of the communes) of Météo-France, which signals in real time the exceptional nature of the precipitation in progress at the scale of a commune.
Note that this service is available in metropolitan France but also in Reunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe and New Caledonia.
Adopt the right reflexes
Following the bad weather that hit Cannes in October 2015 and left 16 dead and 3 missing, the mayor LR David Lisnard, did not hesitate to deplore people "
not always disciplined
" and "
seeming very attached to their vehicles
".
Many of the victims were indeed found in underground car parks.
A more responsible behavior would have avoided such a tragedy.
Several basic rules must be followed to avoid putting yourself in danger and putting others (neighbors, firefighters, etc.) in the same situation.
The first is therefore not to take your vehicle and to postpone your trips.
More generally, it is recommended not to go out and to take shelter in a building, high up and not in cellars and basements.
Read alsoWhy are our cities so easily flooded?
You also need to stay away from waterways.
This means not seeking refuge on bridges or banks.
Similarly, and it is well known, never take refuge under a tree in the event of a storm.
In the event of heavy rain, tunnels, fords and underground passages should be avoided: "
Less than 30 cm of water is enough to carry a car
", warns the Var prefecture, which adds not to go "to
pick up your children at the school, they are safe.
On the other hand, it is important to care about close people, neighbors and vulnerable people.
Prepare an emergency kit
For populations in areas most at risk, it is strongly advised to prepare "your 72-hour emergency kit".
"
This kit, which includes essential items (such as a radio and a lamp with batteries, non-perishable food and drinking water, medication if necessary and warm clothing) will allow you to live independently for 3 days in the event of phenomena making any evacuation impossible, for example
”, we detail from the side of the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
Read alsoStorms in Corsica: how to explain this episode of exceptional violence
"
Attitudes that are better and better understood and applied by the population
", rejoice at the town hall of Saint-Laurent-du-Var, which has seen behavior change since the floods of 2015. Nevertheless, this period remains feared by population, despite its cyclical nature.
“
As soon as it starts to rain, people are worried
,” observes Jean-François Périlhou, the various right mayor of Vaison-la-Romaine.