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Stuck in a basin between Sainte-Geneviève and Andeville, the small village of Mortefontaine-en-Thelle (Oise)barely a thousand inhabitants, has experienced its share of natural disasters for several years. “Since our election, we have had covid, floods, mudslides, a storm… list Cédric Fournier, deputy mayor. Each time, we were in trouble.»
With two municipal employees and a secretary, the elected officials always managed to ensure that everything went as smoothly as possible. “During the last snowy episode last year, we cleared snow at night before going to work during the day», recalls the deputy. With fewer and fewer resources, small municipalities cannot afford to have more employees, and are always subject to getting by. Fortunately, solidarity still exists. “One day, a neighbor offered to help me. Then another. Then yet another. I realized that we had a reserve of administrators ready to help the municipality.»
More than 30 volunteers already registered
After some research, Cédric Fournier discovered the existence of the municipal civil security reserve. A reserve, placed under the authority of the mayor, whose purpose is to intervene solely for safeguarding actions, such as support and assistance for the population. The deputy wanted to present it to the residents of the village at the end of November. About twenty people were present. More than thirty finally signed up thanks to word of mouth. An order was issued for the creation of this reserve at the beginning of December in the municipal council. Inspired by what has already been achieved not far from there, in Saint-Sauveur, since 2022.
“We found more than thirty volunteers ready to help us with handling, to help the most vulnerable during the floods, or just to bring coffee to othersindicates the deputy. We have a good talent pool, from 18-year-old students to retired business leaders and young people who have recently settled in the village. There is a nice mix of generations and professions. Some people crossed paths but had never spoken to each other, it also recreates social bonds.»
First aid training provided
To get their missions off to a good start, the volunteers from the municipal reserve will soon be trained in first aid. “When there is an accident, we are often the first respondersconfides Cédric Fournier. The firefighters, who come from Méru, take a quarter of an hour to arrive. The same goes for the Noailles gendarmes.» A Whatsapp group will be created with all the volunteers. And as soon as an event happens, everyone will be able to give their availability, or not, to block a road, direct traffic while waiting for the police and emergency services…
And to be able to work peacefully, volunteers will be equipped with fluorescent vests, flocked with the image of the municipal reserve. “At least motorists and emergency services will be identified», specifies Cédric Fournier. They will also be equipped with first aid kits and even radios. A commitment contract is signed between the municipality and the volunteers to cover the latter in terms of insurance. Supported by the town hall.
Reinforcement from the municipal police of Sainte-Geneviève
Soon, the deputy mayor should bring together his thirty volunteers to talk to them about their future missions. With a scenario to get them into the swing of things. “The goal is to obtain mechanisms, know how to react when something happens, and know who does what.” Beyond the current mandate, Cédric Fournier would like this municipal reserve to continue over time, and for other municipalities to take inspiration from it. “And why not have an intercommunal reserve?», the deputy begins to dream.
In the meantime, the reservists of Mortefontaine-en-Thelle will soon be supported by the municipal police officers of Sainte-Geneviève. In fact, an agreement was signed with the town hall for them to intervene in the town. “We have a lot of incivility, between the theft of signs and annoying parking», deplores Cédric Fournier. For the moment, they will act in prevention. Before the sanctions.
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