Alert: A siren is used to warn the population of imminent danger. (You can listen to the alert by dialing freephone: 0 800 42 73 66)

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.

If you hear this warning signal, you must immediately take shelter and listen to the radio where you will hear:

• Initial information on the catastrophe
• Instructions to follow to stay safe
• Special instructions decided by the Prefect
• Order to evacuate if such a decision is taken by the authorities

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 9^th June 2004 concerning the right to information on risks and the Circular dated 21^st 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.

This decree shows the actions and principles of providing information via the following:

• DDRM (Departmental Files on Major Risks)
• DICRIM (Local Information Document on Major Risks) 

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 30^th July 2003.

Decree n° 2005-134 dated 15^th 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 1^st June 2006.

Decree n° 2005-233 dated

14^th 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.

Mallemort is exposed to seven risks:

• Natural risks:
  - Earthquake
  - Landslide 
  - Flooding
  - Forest fire

• Technological risks :
  -  Dam failure
  - Transportation of dangerous materials

• Weather risks:
  - Storms and heavy rain

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.  

When a potentially dangerous event occurs, actions set in place are implemented as part of local and departmental emergency plans (Plan ORSEC, Plan Rouge, PCS...). They optimise organisational plans and provide the population with the necessary technical and human resources (assistance, clearance, emergency management, getting back to normal)