France's threat level has been at Enhanced Vigilance continuously since 2015. This guide gives you the official French and international protocols to follow before, during, and after a terrorist incident.
France's official terrorism alert framework
Vigilance Renforcée
Enhanced vigilance — the permanent baseline across all French territory since 2017. Heightened police presence in public spaces.
Urgence Attentat
Emergency threat — activated immediately after an attack or when intelligence indicates one is imminent. Maximum security deployment nationwide.
Current status: France has maintained Urgence Attentat (emergency threat level) following recent incidents. Always check sgdsn.gouv.fr/vigipirate for the latest level.
Fuir · Se cacher · Alerter — the internationally recognised response to an active attack
RUN
FUIR
HIDE
SE CACHER
TELL
ALERTER
Following a major incident, phone networks jam within minutes. Send a one-tap safe status to all your emergency contacts before lines go down.
One tap to notify all your emergency contacts that you are safe following a major incident.
Full functionality available in the mobile app
FR-Alert is France's cell-broadcast emergency alert system. Unlike SMS, it cannot be blocked or ignored — it overrides silent mode. Most expats don't know it exists.
📱 iPhone (iOS 16.1+)
Settings → Notifications → Government Alerts → Enable Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts
🤖 Android
Settings → Apps → Messages → Wireless Emergency Alerts → Enable all categories including Extreme threats
Important: FR-Alert alerts are in French. The app includes translations of common FR-Alert message types.
What to do when authorities issue mise à l'abri or confinement
Enter the nearest building. If outdoors, a solid concrete or brick structure is best. Avoid glass facades.
Move away from windows and exterior walls. Basements or inner corridors are ideal.
For chemical or biological threats: close all vents, seal door gaps with wet towels or tape if available.
Your phone will broadcast an official government alert. Follow its instructions exactly.
Wait for an official 'all clear' from authorities. Do not open doors to strangers until police have confirmed safety.
Avoid non-essential calls. Networks become congested. Send an SMS or use the I'm Safe button to reassure contacts.
Save these numbers before you need them
🇬🇧 British Embassy Paris
Out of hours emergency: press 1 when prompted
🇮🇪 Irish Embassy Paris
Emergency consular assistance
🇦🇺 Australian Embassy Paris
24/7 consular emergency line
🇨🇦 Canadian Embassy Paris
Emergency consular assistance
🇿🇦 South African Embassy
Emergency consular line
France's "See something, say something" system
In France, report suspicious items, behaviour, or individuals by calling 3430 (the national anti-terrorism tip line, available 24/7). This line is operated by the DGSI (French domestic intelligence).
Key French phrases
J'ai vu quelque chose de suspect
I have seen something suspicious
Il y a un objet abandonné
There is an abandoned object
Je veux signaler un comportement suspect
I want to report suspicious behaviour
Je ne parle pas français
I do not speak French
Important disclaimer: This guide provides general public safety information based on official French government (Vigipirate) and international (Run Hide Tell) protocols. It is for informational purposes only. LifeLine Europe is not a security or emergency service. In any active threat situation, always follow the direct instructions of police, emergency services, and official authorities. This information may become outdated; always refer to official sources for the latest guidance.
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