Floods in the Bouches-du-Rhône, storm Alex, heatwave episodes: natural risks are increasing in number and intensity in the PACA region. Over the last twenty years, 77% of the municipalities in the region have also been the subject of an order recognizing the state of natural disaster, according to a study by the association of the French Insurance Federation. .
The results of this survey carried out among French people in the region show that nearly 9 inhabitants of PACA out of 10 think that natural risks will increase in their area of residence (87%).
Yet 31% would not know how to react in the event of a flood, 36% in the event of a forest fire or 67% in the event of marine submersion.
Regarding their residential area, 82% of the inhabitants consider it highly likely that they will be affected by heat waves in the coming years, 72% by major thunderstorms, 63% by forest fires and 49% by floods.
While 65% of residents say they are fairly well informed about natural risks, 57% feel poorly informed about the devices available to protect themselves or their home in the event of natural risks (for example, anti-flooding devices, protective clothing, etc.)
Inappropriate behavior in the event of floods or floods
Faced with the occurrence of a natural risk, the inhabitants of PACA do not necessarily know what behavior to adopt. Thus, if 87% say they would know what to do in the event of a heat wave, 49% would not know how to react in the event of a storm and 67% in the event of a marine submersion.
Also according to this study, the spontaneous reactions of the inhabitants of the region lead to inappropriate behavior. Thus, without a specific request from the authorities, 68% of parents would still pick up their children from school if their living area suffered heavy rains that could lead to flooding and flooding. Likewise, 58% of the inhabitants of PACA would gather all the members of their household at home, even if that implies moving.
Finally, 37% would stay at their homes at all costs in the event of a forest fire and 55% in the event of a storm or cyclone when evacuation is often essential.
To make the French aware of the prevention of natural risks, the Assurance Prévention association is launching a campaign in the field and in digital: “natural risks, the actions that save”.