When a major risk is identified on the commune, the mayor activates the Municipal Emergency Plan (PCS). This page explains the alert level system used by the commune and the general safety instructions to follow in each situation.
The 5 alert levels
Mourèze’s emergency plan uses five progressive alert levels. Each level corresponds to a degree of severity and defines the actions the population should take.
WATCH
Enhanced monitoring
A potential weather event or hazard has been signalled. Monitor official sources (Météo-France, prefecture website).
PRE-ALERT
Escalating situation
The situation is deteriorating. Prepare your emergency kit, listen to local radio and check on vulnerable people around you.
ALERT
Serious situation
A serious event is confirmed or imminent. Take shelter, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the town hall and emergency services.
CRISIS
Event in progress
The hazard is ongoing. Follow evacuation orders immediately if issued. Do not tie up emergency phone lines unnecessarily.
POST-CRISIS
Return to normal
The event is over. Wait for official clearance before returning to the area. Report any damage to the town hall.
Taking shelter
Sheltering in place is the first protective measure during an alert. It means staying inside a building until the danger has passed or evacuation is ordered.
- Go inside the nearest building immediately.
- Close all doors, windows and ventilation openings.
- Switch off ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Listen to the radio (France Bleu Hérault — 103.3 MHz) or check the Hérault prefecture website.
- Only call 18, 15 or 17 if you need emergency assistance.
Evacuating
Evacuation is only ordered by the authorities (mayor, prefect, law enforcement). It is never spontaneous. If an evacuation is ordered:
- Take your emergency kit (see below).
- Turn off gas, electricity and water before leaving.
- Lock your home.
- Use only the routes indicated by emergency services.
- Go to the commune assembly point: Cirque de Mourèze car park.
- Do not use your phone while driving and do not return to the area without authorisation.
Recommended emergency kit
Prepare a bag in an easily accessible place containing:
Documents
- Identity documents (passport, ID card)
- Medical records and prescriptions
- Insurance documents
Immediate survival
- Water (1.5 L per person)
- Non-perishable food (3 days)
- Essential medication
- Clothing and survival blanket
Communication
- Battery or wind-up radio
- Charged phone + charger
- Torch and spare batteries
- Cash
Instructions by type of hazard
The instructions below complement the detailed information available on the Risks in Mourèze page.
🔥 Forest fire
Evacuate the area immediately if ordered. Do not try to fight the fire yourself. Call 18. Close windows and leave with the wind at your back if possible.
🌡️ Heatwave
Stay in a cool place, drink regularly and avoid exertion between 12pm and 4pm. Check on elderly or isolated people nearby. Call 15 in case of a heat-related illness.
🌊 Flooding
Move to upper floors; never go to the basement. Do not drive through any flooded road. Turn off gas and electricity before evacuating.
💨 Storm
Stay indoors, away from windows. Bring in or secure outdoor objects. Do not touch any fallen power lines.
⛰️ Ground movement
Leave marked risk zones immediately. Move away perpendicular to the direction of the fall. Report any rockfall to the town hall or call 18.