Short answer. In Italy, call 112, the European single emergency number, which is active in 16 regions through 24 central answering points (CUR) 23. The Civil Protection booklet refers to 112 "dove attivato" (where activated) 1. The national numbers 113 (Polizia di Stato), 115 (Vigili del Fuoco, fire brigade) and 118 (medical emergency) also remain in use 13. Information verified on 2026-10-20.
Which number should I call in an emergency in Italy?
Call 112 where it has been activated. It is the European single emergency number (Numero Unico Europeo, NUE 112), and it is active in 16 regions through 24 central answering points called CUR (Centrali Uniche di Risposta) 23. The Civil Protection Department's booklet says to call "il Numero unico europeo di emergenza (112) dove attivato" 1.
Where 112 is not yet active, or if you know which service you need, the national numbers still work 13.
What are the Italian emergency numbers?
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 112 | European single emergency number (NUE 112), where activated 12 |
| 113 | Polizia di Stato (state police) 3 |
| 115 | Vigili del Fuoco (fire brigade) 13 |
| 118 | Medical emergency (soccorso sanitario) 3 |
Write these numbers on paper and keep them in your emergency kit: a phone battery can run out when you need it most.
Who runs civil protection in Italy?
The Dipartimento della Protezione Civile leads civil protection nationally, with Prefetture (the State's provincial offices) and Comuni at local level 14. For local nuclear and radiological information, the reference is the Prefettura of your province 4.
Which official websites should I bookmark?
| Organisation | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Dipartimento della Protezione Civile | National civil protection | https://www.protezionecivile.gov.it |
| Io non rischio | Official preparedness campaign | https://www.iononrischio.gov.it |
| IT-alert | National public warning system | https://www.it-alert.gov.it |
| ISIN (Ispettorato nazionale per la sicurezza nucleare e la radioprotezione) | Nuclear safety and radiation protection inspectorate | https://www.isinucleare.it |
| Prefettura of your province | Local nuclear and radiological information | https://prefettura.interno.gov.it |
Your Comune's website is also worth saving: it publishes the municipal civil protection plan with local waiting areas; see Public shelters in Italy.
What should I prepare before calling?
Know your address, including the Comune, and be ready to say what happened, how many people are involved and whether anyone is in danger. Put the numbers in your family plan so children and visitors know them too: How do I make a family emergency plan?. For networks down, see Which radio and alerts do you need when networks are down?.
Warnings from the authorities do not come by phone call but by IT-alert cell broadcast; see our alerts page.
Frequently asked questions
Is 112 available everywhere in Italy?
Not yet. 112 is active in 16 regions through 24 central answering points 23, and the Civil Protection booklet says to use it "where activated" 1.
What number is the ambulance in Italy?
118 is the medical emergency number; 112 also works where activated 3.
What number is the fire brigade in Italy?
Who do I ask about iodine tablets in my area?
Your Prefettura, which prepares the provincial plans with the Regions and Comuni; see our iodine page.
Sources
- 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)
- Provincia autonoma di Trento — NUE 112 - Numero Unico Europeo per le chiamate di emergenza — https://www.provincia.tn.it/Servizi/NUE-112-Numero-Unico-Europeo-per-le-chiamate-di-emergenza (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Regione Piemonte — Numero di emergenza unico europeo 112 — https://www.regione.piemonte.it/web/temi/sanita/accesso-ai-servizi-sanitari/numero-emergenza-unico-europeo-112 (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) — Cosa fare - Radiologico e nucleare — https://www.iononrischio.gov.it/it/preparati/nucleare/cosa-fare/ (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 · Io non rischio - Sfogliabile multirischio (© 2025 DPC) checked 2026-10-20
- Provincia autonoma di Trento · NUE 112 - Numero Unico Europeo per le chiamate di emergenza checked 2026-10-20
- Regione Piemonte · Numero di emergenza unico europeo 112 checked 2026-10-20
- Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Io non rischio) · Cosa fare - Radiologico e nucleare checked 2026-10-20