Greece Emergency Guide: 112 Alerts and Wildfires

Emergency Preparedness in Greece

Every summer, millions of visitors in Greece receive or hear about the same thing: a loud alert on their phone from 112, telling an area to evacuate because of a wildfire. Greece is also one of the most seismically active countries in Europe. This page explains in English how alerts work and what to do, for residents, students, workers and visitors.

Emergency numbers

112 European emergency number, with operators who speak English
100 Police
166 Ambulance
199 Fire service
108 Coast guard

How you will be warned

112 alerts on your mobile phone

Greek Civil Protection sends alerts by cell broadcast to every phone in the affected area, in Greek and English.
The alert sounds even on silent or do-not-disturb, and you cannot block it. Phones that are off, in flight mode or without a SIM do not receive it.
It is used for wildfire evacuations, severe storms and flash floods, extreme heat, heavy snow, earthquakes and tsunamis, and industrial accidents.
In remote areas, deep gorges and some islands, coverage can be weak. Do not make the alert your only plan.

When an alert arrives

Act at once. Do not wait for confirmation.
Wildfire: evacuate in the direction the alert gives.
Flood: move to higher ground before the water reaches you.
Storm: shelter in a solid building away from windows.
Earthquake: drop, cover and hold on. Expect aftershocks.
Tsunami: go to high ground or inland immediately.
Do not call 112 to ask about the alert. Check civilprotection.gov.gr and local media.

What to have at home

Greece does not set a fixed number of days. The reference is the European Union's recommendation of at least 72 hours:

Drinking water and food that keeps
Medicines and a first aid kit
A battery radio, flashlight and a charged power bank
Copies of documents and some cash
A go-bag ready, especially in wildfire areas

If you are visiting, learn where the main roads, high ground and evacuation routes are near where you stay, and keep your phone charged. See Emergencies while travelling.