Introduction of a colour coding system for risk levels used for warning alerts amongst different actors

The French Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and the Sea (MEEDDM: Ministčre de l’Ecologie, de l’Energie, du Développement Durable et de la Mer) introduced a four-color scheme (green, yellow, orange and red) reflecting the different risk levels. These warning levels are used at regional level in France. They are applied within a 24-hour time frame that combines forecasting within an advance warning period sufficient for action. This simple and common language allows the French meteorogical service to disseminate, as widely as possible, its “potential risk” forecasts linked to meteorological criteria in the form of a “vigilance map”. Information is transmitted simultaneously to civil defence authorities, national operators, the media and the general public.

Cultural Factors: Languages, Communication

Disaster Phases: Response, Preparedness

Types of Actors Concerned: Government, Non-active citizens, Local authorities

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• Use trustworthy, widespread, multi-lingual, culturally appropriate and inclusive means of alerting the target population in case of disasters