Evacuation

The partial or total evacuation of a territory can be the primary protective measure for populations facing a threat, whether natural, like a cyclone, or technological, such as a fire at an industrial site. However, the risks associated with moving populations under stress and in a potentially deteriorated environment are high: accidents, traffic jams, public disorder, disruption of civil security, increased exposure to danger, etc. These risks increase with population density and the complexity of urban infrastructure. Preparation is therefore crucial and even mandatory in France for municipalities exposed to danger.

The preparation for an evacuation can be broken down into 7 key steps:

1. Define the areas to be evacuated It is essential to determine the extent of the danger zone to be evacuated according to different hazard scenarios. Then, the key factors in this area must be identified, with priority given to the population: number of residents, non-autonomous individuals, tourists, etc. Depending on population density and the layout of the territory, the area must be divided into sectors. These sectors should be based on the level of exposure to danger and can be used to prioritize the order of evacuation.

2. Define assembly zones and reception centers Depending on the number of non-autonomous individuals (those without a vehicle or temporary shelter), reception and accommodation centers must be established. In some cases, these centers will need to serve as shelters, such as in cyclone-prone areas. When the evacuation order is given, non-autonomous populations must be transported using collective transportation. Therefore, designated assembly points (parking lots, public squares, parks), known and easily identifiable by the population, must be set where buses or other public transport will be stationed.

3. Map the plan Every resident should know the evacuation zone in which they live, and the authorities must be aware of the tactical resources to be deployed during an evacuation. This includes mapping: - Evacuation routes; - Modified roundabouts and traffic directions; - Assembly points and accommodation centers.

4. Inform the population and plan drills Information campaigns must be conducted so that everyone knows the risks they face and how to evacuate depending on the alert level. It's important to reassure the population about the safety of their property during an evacuation to reduce refusal to leave. Regular drills help familiarize people with the risks and the actions they may need to take in the event of an alert.

5. Prepare the evacuation before the population perceives the danger Before issuing the evacuation order, it is crucial to: - Pre-position collective transportation near assembly points to avoid panic or riots; - Mark evacuation routes to streamline traffic and prevent individuals from having to decide their own path.

6. Inform the population, then issue the alert When a phenomenon is predictable enough (such as a slow rise in water levels or a tropical cyclone), a two-step information process is preferable: - Inform the population to prepare for evacuation (secure belongings, gather essential items); - Issue the evacuation order, either to everyone (total evacuation) or by danger zones (phased evacuation).

7. Leave no one behind Once the evacuation is complete, it is imperative to ensure that no one remains in the danger zone. This can be done by continuing mobile siren rounds, checking the lists of individuals at reception centers, and conducting door-to-door checks if the area is not too large and time permits.