Evacuation order or preventive departure
Two situations, one rule of caution: when in doubt, leave early.
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Evacuation order (prefectural decree) | Authorities' decision facing a serious natural or technological risk. It's no longer optional: leaving becomes a legal obligation. |
| Preventive departure | Personal decision, ahead of any official order, when the situation is deteriorating and you'd rather not wait. |
What to take, depending on the time you have
2 minutes: the essentials
Identity papers, phone and its charger, current medication. Nothing else should delay your departure.
10 minutes: the kit
Add your already-ready evacuation bag: water, first-aid kit, spare clothes, some food.
1 hour: comfort
If time allows, add valuables, important keepsakes, and check one last time that nothing essential was forgotten.
An evacuation order rarely leaves an hour. Preparing your bag in advance, rather than on the day, changes everything.
Actions before leaving
- Shut off gas and electricity, if it can be done safely.
- Close the doors and windows of the home.
- Tell a relative your departure and destination, so they know how to reach you.
- Follow the route indicated by authorities rather than a personal route, often cut off or dangerous first.
Evacuation or shelter-in-place: who decides
According to prefectural authorities, evacuation is decided by public authorities based on how the situation develops, when sheltering in place is no longer enough. So it's often a second step, not always the first reflex: follow the instruction given, rather than a general rule, since the right choice depends on the exact risk (flooding, fire, industrial accident).
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until the last moment. Authorities repeat it: once the order is given, don't delay your departure.
- Taking your own route rather than the one indicated, often chosen to avoid already-compromised areas.
- Leaving without telling anyone. Your relatives need to know where you are.
- Improvising the bag on the day. See our guide on the evacuation bag, to prepare in advance.
A meeting point decided before, not during
LASTLINE can help you prepare evacuation before it becomes necessary:
- save your meeting points and the walking routes to get there;
- print an evacuation plan as PDF;
- send an SOS with your location to relatives if needed.
LASTLINE doesn't receive prefectural evacuation orders live: follow official channels (media, FR-Alert, local instructions).
Prepare my evacuation with LASTLINEFrequently asked questions
Is an evacuation order mandatory to follow?
Yes. An evacuation order issued by prefectural decree is not a simple recommendation: leaving is no longer optional, it's a legal obligation, particularly in the face of a serious natural or technological risk.
How do you know an evacuation order has been given?
The media and local authorities broadcast the order and instructions (routes to follow, reception centres), often complemented by an alert system like FR-Alert on phones in the affected area.
What should you shut off before leaving?
Gas and electricity, if it can be done safely, then close doors and windows. These are the actions recalled by prefectural authorities in their behaviour guidance for major risks.
Should you notify someone before leaving?
Yes: it's recommended to inform relatives of your departure and destination, so they know how to reach you and can locate you if needed.
Sources
- Lot-et-Garonne Prefecture, Behaviour guidance for major risks.
- Géorisques, The individual safety plan.
Precise instructions depend on the risk and your municipality: always follow the instructions given at the time of the event, which take priority over this general guide.