Short answer. IT-alert is Italy's national public warning system, run by the Civil Protection Department. It sends messages by cell broadcast to every phone in the affected area, with no app needed 1. Since 13 February 2024 it has covered nuclear or radiological emergencies, major industrial accidents, large dam collapse and volcanic activity at Campi Flegrei, Vesuvius and Vulcano 2. Italy has no national siren network 3. Information verified on 2026-10-20.
How does IT-alert reach my phone?
Through cell broadcast, a technology that sends one message to all phones connected to the mobile cells covering an area. The official site says: "I messaggi IT-alert viaggiano attraverso cell-broadcast. [...] non è necessario scaricare alcuna App per ricevere i messaggi IT-alert" ("IT-alert messages travel by cell broadcast. [...] there is no need to download any app to receive IT-alert messages") 1.
The legal basis cited by it-alert.gov.it is EU Directive 2018/1972 and the Italian Electronic Communications Code 1.
Which emergencies trigger IT-alert?
| Status | Risk |
|---|---|
| Operational since 13 February 2024 | Nuclear accident or radiological emergency 2 |
| Operational | Industrial plants at risk of major accidents 2 |
| Operational | Collapse of a large dam 2 |
| Operational | Volcanic activity at Campi Flegrei, Vesuvius and Vulcano island 2 |
| Being tested | Tsunami generated by an earthquake 23 |
| Being tested | Stromboli volcanic activity 23 |
| Being tested | Intense rainfall 23 |
IT-alert is not used for every emergency: risks outside this list are not covered by it 2. Follow your Comune and regional civil protection for local instructions.
When is IT-alert sent for a nuclear accident?
Italy has no nuclear power plants in operation, but IT-alert is sent when a plant within 200 km of the Italian border declares a "General Emergency" and the Department activates the "alarm" phase 24. The message tells you what to do; the usual measure is sheltering indoors, covered on our public shelters page and our iodine page.
What does a message starting with "TEST" mean?
Messages starting with the word "TEST" are system checks and require no action 1. No protective step is expected when you receive one.
Does Italy have air-raid sirens?
Italy has no national siren network 3. Local sirens exist in specific places. On Stromboli and Ginostra, acoustic sirens warn of volcanic and tsunami danger 3:
Each siren signal comes with a voice message in Italian and English 3.
How do I make sure I receive alerts?
Keep your phone on and charged, and do not disable emergency alerts in its settings. A battery radio is on the official kit list and keeps you informed if mobile networks fail; see Which radio and alerts do you need when networks are down?. Agree in advance what your household does when an alert arrives: How do I make a family emergency plan?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register for IT-alert?
No. IT-alert uses cell broadcast and needs no app download 1.
What should I do with a TEST message?
Nothing. Messages starting with "TEST" are system checks and require no action 1.
Is IT-alert used for floods?
Intense rainfall is still being tested, not operational 2.
What do the Stromboli sirens mean?
Two tones signal an imminent paroxysmal explosion and one tone a tsunami, with a voice message in Italian and English 3.
Sources
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile — Come funziona | IT Alert — https://www.it-alert.gov.it/it/come-funziona/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile — Quando si usa | IT Alert — https://www.it-alert.gov.it/it/quando-si-usa/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile — Io non rischio - Sfogliabile multirischio (© 2025 DPC) — https://eventi.protezionecivile.gov.it/static/c2828dd8a06a45e69e3be33238647783/sfogliabile-multirischio-inr_0.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) — Cosa sapere - Radiologico e nucleare — https://www.iononrischio.gov.it/it/preparati/nucleare/cosa-sapere/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Italy, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile · Come funziona | IT Alert checked 2026-10-20
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile · Quando si usa | IT Alert checked 2026-10-20
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile · Io non rischio - Sfogliabile multirischio (© 2025 DPC) checked 2026-10-20
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) · Cosa sapere - Radiologico e nucleare checked 2026-10-20