What does state of emergency mean?

A STATE of emergency was declared after news broke of the Paris terror attacks which killed 129 people. But what does it actually entail?

Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve said all security forces across the country - police, gendarmes, army and even firefighters - were on "maximum alert".

Préfectures have the power to impose curfews if they consider there is a real threat to public order. Security perimeters can also be set up around public buildings and any private premises that could constitute a target.

In Paris and the suburbs, gatherings in a public place have been banned until at least Thursday. An inter-ministerial crisis group will remain in place at the interior ministry until the alert is lifted.

Strict border controls are in place, with particular attention paid to 61 main access routes into France. Other border crossings will be staffed by gendarmes and CRS officers. More comprehensive checks also apply at airports, ferry terminals and main rail stations.

The state of emergency applies for 12 days. Parliament can vote a law to extend it, setting a new date when it expires.