Emergency Preparedness in Cyprus
In 2026 Cyprus launched CY-Alert, its first national system for sending warnings directly to mobile phones, after several difficult wildfire seasons. This page explains it in English for residents and visitors.
Emergency numbers
- 112 or 199 All emergencies
How you will be warned
- CY-Alert uses cell broadcast to send alerts from mobile antennas to compatible phones in the affected area. No internet and no app needed, and no personal data is collected.
- Alerts are in Greek and English, with a distinctive sound and strong vibration, even on silent. Tests are clearly marked as exercises.
- Your phone must run an up-to-date version of Android or iOS. The government opened a 1450 helpline for help with phone settings.
- Messages describe the emergency and give protection or evacuation instructions. Follow them at once.
- Older phones that support cell broadcast may also receive alerts. For people outside the network, the authorities also use SMS and sirens.
What to have at home
The reference is the European Union's recommendation of at least 72 hours: water, food that keeps, medicines, a battery radio, flashlight, power bank, cash and copies of documents. In wildfire areas, keep a go-bag ready. See the 72-hour kit on a budget and the go-bag checklist.
Main risks to prepare for
Official information
See emergency preparedness in other European countries.
Sources
- Cyprus Mail: Cyprus launches nationwide emergency warning system (May 2026)
- Cyprus Mail: sirens and SMS for people without smartphones (May 2026)
Independent educational summary, not an official publication. Always follow instructions from Cypriot authorities. Last reviewed: November 2026.