Short answer. In France, call 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU), 17 for the police, 18 for the fire brigade, or 112, the free European emergency number. 114 is the emergency number by SMS, internet or app for deaf people and anyone who must stay silent. 196 is for emergencies at sea 1.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
Which number do I call in France?
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 15 | SAMU, medical emergencies 1 |
| 17 | Police secours, to report an offence 1 |
| 18 | Pompiers (fire and rescue), danger or accidents 1 |
| 112 | Single European emergency number (SAMU, fire, police), free across the EU 1 |
| 114 | Emergency by SMS, internet or app, for deaf and hard-of-hearing people or anyone who must alert silently 1 |
| 196 | Emergency at sea 1 |
| 0 800 005 696 | Free anonymous line to report radicalisation 1 |
The SGDSN guide "Tous responsables" lists these numbers in its "be protected" part 1. Write them on paper and keep them with your kit.
When should I use 114?
114 lets you reach the emergency services without speaking, by SMS, internet or app 1. It is meant for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and for anyone who must alert silently 1.
Which official websites give crisis information?
| Organisation | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Secrétariat général de la défense et de la sécurité nationale (SGDSN) | National resilience guide, Vigipirate plan | https://www.sgdsn.gouv.fr |
| Government risk portal | Official crisis information | https://www.info.gouv.fr/risques |
| FR-Alert (Ministry of the Interior) | Phone alerts | https://fr-alert.gouv.fr/ |
| Géorisques | Natural and technological risks near your address | https://www.georisques.gouv.fr |
| Vigicrues | Flood vigilance | https://www.vigicrues.gouv.fr |
| Météo-France vigilance | Weather warnings | https://vigilance.meteofrance.fr |
| Préfecture and mairie | Local instructions; the prefect orders iodine intake | — |
FR-Alert needs no app or registration 2; see France alerts. For iodine around nuclear sites, see France iodine.
How do I stay in touch with relatives in a crisis?
The SGDSN guide asks households to plan how they will stay in touch with relatives, and to prefer text messages 1. See How do I make a family emergency plan?.
Frequently asked questions
Is 112 free in France?
Yes. 112 is the single European emergency number, free across the EU, and reaches the SAMU, fire brigade or police 1.
What is the difference between 15 and 18?
15 is the SAMU, for medical emergencies; 18 is the fire brigade, for danger or accidents 1.
Can I text the emergency services in France?
Yes, through 114, by SMS, internet or app, for deaf and hard-of-hearing people or anyone who must alert silently 1.
Who tells me to take iodine tablets?
The prefect orders iodine intake. Follow local instructions from the prefecture and the mairie 1.
Sources
- Secrétariat général de la défense et de la sécurité nationale (SGDSN) — Tous responsables. Face aux risques, agissons : bien préparés, bien protégés, tous engagés — https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/SGDSN_Guide_Tous%20responsables.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- FR-Alert, Ministère de l'Intérieur — À propos FR-Alert ; Foire aux questions (https://fr-alert.gouv.fr/foire-aux-questions) — https://fr-alert.gouv.fr/propos (accessed 2026-10-20)
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Sources
- Secrétariat général de la défense et de la sécurité nationale (SGDSN) · Tous responsables. Face aux risques, agissons : bien préparés, bien protégés, tous engagés checked 2026-10-20
- FR-Alert, Ministère de l'Intérieur · À propos FR-Alert ; Foire aux questions (https://fr-alert.gouv.fr/foire-aux-questions) checked 2026-10-20