Short answer. In Denmark, call 112 for an ambulance, the police or the fire service, and only in an acute emergency: "Du skal kun ringe 1-1-2, hvis det er en akut nødsituation" 1. Call 114 for the police in non-urgent matters, nationwide 1. The Agency for Societal Security (samsik.dk) gives household preparedness advice, the Danish Emergency Management Agency (brs.dk) runs the sirens and S!RENEN, and municipalities handle shelters 24.
Which number do I call?
| Number | Use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Alarm centre: ambulance, police, fire service in an acute emergency | 1 |
| 114 | Police service line, non-urgent matters, nationwide | 1 |
| +45 4516 1666 | Agency for Societal Security (Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed), main switchboard | 2 |
If 112 has problems, the authorities will announce alternative contact details 3. During an alert, follow DR or TV 2 rather than calling 112 for information (see the alerts page).
Which agencies are responsible for what?
- Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (Agency for Societal Security): household preparedness advice (Forberedt på kriser) and shelter legislation — https://samsik.dk/forberedt/ 2
- Beredskabsstyrelsen (Danish Emergency Management Agency): operates the sirens and S!RENEN — https://www.brs.dk/da/sirenen/ 4
- Rigspolitiet (National Police): sends warnings and activates the sirens — https://politi.dk/kontakt-politiet 4
- Sundhedsstyrelsen (Danish Health Authority): iodine tablet advice and instructions — https://www.sst.dk/vidensbase/forebyggelse/forurening-og-miljoe/luftforurening/jod-og-jodtabletter (see the iodine page)
- Municipalities and municipal fire and rescue services: public shelters and supervision of sikringsrum — https://samsik.dk/beskyttelsesrum/faq-beskyttelsesrum/ 5 (see the public shelters page)
- borger.dk: the official citizen portal — https://www.borger.dk/politi-retsvaesen-forsvar/forsvar-og-beredskab/forberedt-paa-kriser
Should I keep these numbers on paper?
Yes. The official Danish checklist includes a written list of important phone numbers, kept somewhere visible such as the fridge 2. It is on the kit page. For building a household contact plan, see /guides/family-plan; for keeping key papers together, see /guides/important-documents.
What if I am deaf or hard of hearing?
Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can register for SMS alerts via borger.dk 4.
Frequently asked questions
Can I call 112 to ask what is happening during a crisis?
No. The police ask you to call 112 only in an acute emergency 1. Follow DR or TV 2 for information 4.
What is the non-emergency police number in Denmark?
114, nationwide 1.
What happens if 112 is down?
The authorities will announce alternative contact details 3.
Who do I ask about my nearest shelter?
Your municipality or the municipal fire and rescue service that manages shelters in your area; samsik.dk lists which authority is responsible for each municipality 5. See the public shelters page.
Sources
- Politi (Danish Police) — Kontakt politiet — https://politi.dk/kontakt-politiet (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed — Forberedt på kriser – sådan klarer du dig selv i tre døgn under en krise — https://samsik.dk/forberedt/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Danish Emergency Management Agency (hosted by Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed) — Be prepared for a crisis — https://samsik.dk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/EN-prepared-for-crises.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Beredskabsstyrelsen — Sådan advarer myndighederne dig, når der er fare på færde — https://www.brs.dk/da/borger/var-klar-nar-krisen-rammer/sadan-advarer-myndighederne-dig-nar-der-er-fare-pa-farde/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed — FAQ – Beskyttelsesrum — https://samsik.dk/beskyttelsesrum/faq-beskyttelsesrum/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Denmark, worked out for your household.
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Sources
- Politi (Danish Police) · Kontakt politiet checked 2026-10-20
- Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed · Forberedt på kriser – sådan klarer du dig selv i tre døgn under en krise checked 2026-10-20
- Danish Emergency Management Agency (hosted by Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed) · Be prepared for a crisis checked 2026-10-20
- Beredskabsstyrelsen · Sådan advarer myndighederne dig, når der er fare på færde checked 2026-10-20
- Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed · FAQ – Beskyttelsesrum checked 2026-10-20