Country guide
Emergencies in Poland
Which number to call, how alerts reach you and which risks to prepare for in Poland. In short, with links to the official sources.
Emergency number112, 997 (police), 998 (fire), 999 (ambulance)
Phone alertsAlert RCBCheck your phone settings to make sure emergency alerts are switched on.
Civil protectionPoradnik bezpieczeństwa (gov.pl)
Weather warningsIMGW-PIB
Main hazards
-
Severe storms
High winds, fallen trees and power cuts. Shelter away from windows.
Thunderstorms, wind and hail → -
Heatwaves
Most victims are older people living alone. Water, shade and checking on neighbors.
Heatwave safety → -
Winter storms and cold
Blocked roads and multi-day power cuts. Keep supplies at home and in the car.
Winter storms and extreme cold → -
Power outages
Light, power banks, water and no-cook food for at least 3 days.
Power outage (blackout) →
Alerts and shelter in Poland
How you are warned
- Alert RCB: a text message from the Government Centre for Security (RCB), sent to every phone in the area at risk. No sign-up needed.
- Sirens: alarm = a rising and falling tone for 3 minutes; all clear = a steady tone for 3 minutes. When you hear a siren, turn on the radio or TV.
- Weather and flood warnings come from IMGW-PIB. meteo.imgw.pl
Where to take shelter
- The State Fire Service (PSP) publishes the official map of shelter points (underpasses, underground car parks, metro stations, basements), with directions to the nearest one. gdziesieukryc.pl · How to take shelter →
- The government has published the official "Poradnik bezpieczeństwa" (safety guide): supplies for at least 3 days, at least 3 liters of water per person per day, an evacuation backpack. gov.pl · The 72-hour go bag →
The basics, wherever you live
Other countries
- Romania
- Moldova
- Germany
- Austria
- Switzerland
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- Australia
We review this data regularly, but rules and numbers can change. If in doubt, follow your local authorities.