Emergency Preparedness in Iceland
Iceland lives with volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, avalanches and severe winter storms. Since 2023, repeated eruptions on the Reykjanes peninsula have forced the evacuation of Grindavík. For residents and the many visitors who drive around the island, knowing how warnings work is essential.
Emergency number
- 112 All emergencies: police, ambulance, fire, search and rescue
How you will be warned
- 112 SMS alerts: text messages sent to phones in a geographic area when authorities decide. Delivery is not guaranteed: about 9 to 10% of messages may not arrive as intended. Do not rely on them alone.
- Radio, television and the internet carry official information.
- Safetravel.is offers a free SMS service with weather and road updates for the area you choose, and a live conditions map.
Civil protection alert levels
- Óvissustig: uncertainty level
- Hættustig: danger level
- Neyðarstig: emergency level
What to have at home
The reference is the European recommendation of at least 72 hours. In Iceland, add warm clothing and a way to keep warm, because storms can cut power and roads for days. See the home kit, car emergency kit and kit calculator.
Main risks to prepare for
If you are visiting, read Emergencies while travelling and check Safetravel before every drive.
Official information
- Department of Civil Protection and Emergency Management, in English
- Safetravel.is
- Icelandic Met Office: weather, volcanoes and earthquakes
See emergency preparedness in other European countries.
Sources
- Almannavarnir: how the public is informed about disaster risk
- Almannavarnir: civil protection emergency levels
Independent educational summary, not an official publication. Always follow instructions from Icelandic authorities. Last reviewed: November 2026.