French unprepared if disaster comes

PEOPLE in France are poorly prepared for natural disasters, an Ifop survey has found.

Over the past decade, disasters, such the Var floods or storm Xynthia have been increasing, but 62 per cent say they do not feel concerned.

Only 46 per cent have had first aid training, compared to 74 per cent of Germans. Less than half feel well informed about what to do in the event of a natural disaster.

The biggest danger is flooding: one in three communes is at risk to differing degrees, and five million people live in areas that have previously flooded, often without knowing it.

The Var floods and Xynthia resulted in 75 deaths in total, mostly through drowning. La Croix Rouge has integrated more training on natural disasters into its basic first aid courses.

Find courses near you at http://tinyurl.com/firstaidtraining