What France’s Tous Responsables Means – And Why It Matters to You

Whether you live in France full-time, part-time, or are just visiting, knowing how to respond to emergencies is essential. The French government’s Tous Responsables initiative promotes resilience and crisis preparedness, guiding citizens on their roles in managing emergencies. It emphasizes active participation in safety efforts. Below are the key highlights of this program.

What is Tous Responsables?

You might be familiar with the terms “go bag” and “emergency preparedness.” These concepts are especially relevant in regions prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires. Additionally, many companies have developed emergency preparedness plans and established organized teams to restore business operations after a disruption.

Tous responsables is a handbook published by the French government (link is below) designed to help residents prepare for and respond to crises, including natural disasters, industrial accidents, health emergencies, cyberattacks, and armed conflicts. The handbook emphasizes that safety and resilience are shared responsibilities among citizens, local authorities, businesses, and the state.

Key Aims

1. Inform (Bien protégés) – Identify potential risks.
2. Educate (Bien préparés) – Understand the essential supplies needed for an emergency kit (kit d’urgence) and other ways to prepare for emergencies.
3. Encourage (Tous engagés) – Support the development and training of local, regional, and state resources.

Emergency Phone Numbers

In an emergency, these are the numbers that you should know in France. There are typically operators who speak multiple languages, and you need to be able to answer: who you are, provide a phone number, where you are and why you are calling.

• 112 European emergency number (all services, any phone): You can dial 112 anywhere in France; operators can connect you to police, fire, or medical services and usually speak multiple languages.
• 15 Medical emergencies (SAMU)
• 17 Police
• 18 Fire brigade
• 114 Emergency SMS/video relay for the deaf or hard of hearing
• 116 or 117 Non‑emergency out‑of‑hours doctor (in participating regions)

For other critical national numbers, please click here.

Essential Links in an Emergency

Official Tous Responsables website

Additional information

The PDF format of the booklet (published November 20, 2025)

What to put in an emergency kit (website)

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).