Emergency Preparedness in Romania
Romania sends emergency alerts directly to mobile phones through RO-ALERT, one of the most used systems of its kind in the European Union. It faces earthquakes, floods, extreme weather and, near the border with Ukraine, drone incursions. This page explains the essentials in English for residents, students, workers and visitors.
Emergency numbers
- 112 All emergencies: ambulance, fire, police and rescue
How you will be warned
RO-ALERT
- RO-ALERT sends messages to every mobile phone in an area at risk, run by the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU). You do not register.
- Messages for imminent or extreme danger sound loudly, even at night, so they wake people up. In 2026 the DSU announced different sounds by severity, including a silent category for situations where a sound could put people in danger.
- Read the whole message and follow the instructions.
Sirens
- The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) tests the public warning sirens on the first Wednesday of each month, between 10:00 and 11:00, an exercise known as "Miercurea alarmelor" (alarm Wednesday). Tests are announced in advance and are sometimes postponed.
- When you hear sirens outside a test, go indoors and follow official information on radio, television and RO-ALERT.
What to have at home
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, spare batteries and power bank
- Cash and copies of documents
- Sturdy shoes and a flashlight by the bed, for earthquakes
Work out the amounts with our kit calculator and see the 72-hour kit on a budget.
Main risks to prepare for
- Earthquakes, above all from the Vrancea zone, which can affect Bucharest
- Floods and storms
- Heatwaves and cold waves, and heavy snow
- Drones near the border with Ukraine
Words you will see and hear
- RO-ALERT: the mobile alert system
- Situații de urgență: emergency situations
- Cutremur: earthquake
- Inundație: flood
- Adăpost: shelter
- Evacuare: evacuation
Official information
- IGSU, General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations
- National Meteorological Administration: warnings
See emergency preparedness in other European countries.
Sources
- Romania Insider: different sounds for RO-ALERT messages (2026)
- Romania Insider: authorities test emergency sirens
- Alba24: IGSU monthly siren tests, first Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:00
Independent educational summary, not an official publication. Always follow instructions from Romanian authorities. Last reviewed: November 2026.