What is a major risk?
The risk involves an unknown entity and high stakes within one geographical location.
An unknown entity is the possible advent of a phenomenon or event.
Stakes are people or assets that are likely to be affected by the consequences of this event or this phenomenon.
These consequences are measured in terms of vulnerability. The severity of unknown entities may be lesser (technological risk), others slight and others not at all (earthquake).
We can act on the unknown entity (protection, preventive measures, providing the population with preventive information). PPRS (Risk Prevention Plans) established by the Prefect based on refined risk assessment, may apply stricter land use regulations. Mallemort is exposed to four identified natural risks and two technological risks.
Zero risk does not exist, which is why it is essential to warn citizens by providing preventive information.
Inform citizens about the major risks to which they are exposed and the safeguard measures in place.
Help the population to adopt the appropriate behaviour in the event of threat. It is one of the most effective means of prevention.
When risk becomes reality, how to recognise warning alerts?
You’ve already heard it – on the first Wednesday of every month at midday, a siren sounds all over France for one minute. This is to test the national alert signal.
In case of danger or threat, the alert emits three consecutive siren signals each lasting for one minute (at an interval of 5 seconds). Sound levels increase then decrease.
To notify that the alert is over, the siren emits a continuous signal for 30 seconds.
This signal is part of the National Alert Network.
In the event of a dam failure, a specific ‘foghorn’ signal will sound intermittently. It lasts for 2 minutes and is made up of 2-second sound signals at an interval of 3 seconds. As soon as it starts you must head for higher ground.
Catastrophes usually happen without the possibility of activating advance warning signals.
Therefore it is essential to know the security measures to take beforehand.
The government is currently looking into new alert systems that take advantage of improved technology and meet the demands of the population.
The city possesses a local siren to warn inhabitants of Mallemort of imminent danger.
Implementing the decree dated 9th June 2004 concerning the right to information on risks and the Circular dated 21st April 1994 defined the steps taken towards preventive information for which the Prefect and the Mayor share responsibility.
Preventive information is under the responsibility of the Mayor.
Moreover, the local authorities are obliged under the provisions of the PPRN (Natural Risk Prevention Plan) to hold information meetings every two years for the population, in accordance with Article 40 of the Law dated 30th July 2003.
Decree n° 2005-134 dated 15th February 2005 lays out conditions whereby tenants or house buyers must be informed about risks (documents available at the Town Hall). They came into force on 1st June 2006.
14th March 2005 concerning detection of flooding, stipulates such detection measures and the local map identifying their location must be included in the DICRIM.
In the interests of its citizens, the Council has been working to establish the DICRIM in order to provide preventive information for the inhabitants of Mallemort.
What are the major risks for the Mallemort?
All these measures are the result of work carried out by a team of specialists (scientists, firemen, etc.) and national technicians working together with Public Services, elected representatives, local authorities and individuals.
Awarded by the French High Committee for Civil Defence ( HCFDC ) This label recognizes towns that meet a number of criteria in terms of backup and population protection against major hazards , and who notably produced a communal Plan backup.
Under the responsibility of the mayor, the municipal backup plan is made in order to plan opertions communal actors risk management (elected officials, municipal employees, volunteers, corporate partners) in case of major natural events, technological or health.
Its major objective is preventive information and protection of the population.