112 is an integrated emergency communications service, which includes an inbound and an outbound component. You may dial 112 for free in any emergency anywhere in Greece and the European Union. The outbound component allows you to receive warnings via multiple technologies and communication channels in case of imminent or occurring incident or dangerous situation constituting an immediate threat to your health and safety, so that you can take protective action.

Outbound component – Citizen Alert System

If you have a smartphone, you will receive a warning message (Cell Broadcast – CB) that will appear on your screen, and your device will alert you with a unique sound and vibration. You only need to upgrade to the latest version of its operating system and make sure your device is set to receive CB alerts.

If you don’t have a smartphone, you can register here or by dialing 112 to receive alerts via one of the four following channels:

• Text messages (Short Message Service – SMS). If you don’t have a smartphone, you can receive text messages. The message sender will be 112.
• Email. You will receive an email, which you can read on your cellphone, tablet, or laptop or desktop computer. The email sender will be 112.
• Voice messages. You will get a phonecall on your cellphone or landline telephone. The caller will be 112112. When you answer the call, you will hear a recorded or text-to-speech voice message

Inbound component – 112 is the European emergency number, available everywhere in the EU, free of charge

Citizens in the EU need to remember only this emergency number to reach any emergency service. 112 is particularly useful for anyone who may find themselves in distress and in need of emergency assistance while traveling in the EU.

112 is available in all EU member states alongside national emergency numbers. However, some EU countries have opted for 112 as their single emergency number. 112 is also used in some countries outside the EU –such as Switzerland and South Africa – and is available worldwide on GSM mobile networks.

In Greece, 112 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can connect the caller with:

• Police
• Fire Brigade
• Emergency Medical Services
• Coast Guard
• the European hotline for missing children 116000 and
• the National Helpline for children SOS 1056

When a person dials 112, specially trained operators immediately answer the call. The operators speak Greek, English and French. Depending on the emergency reported by the caller, the operator dispatches the call to the appropriate emergency service.

112 operators cannot provide traffic or weather reports, road assistance or any other type of general information.

Calls to 112 can be made from landline telephones, public payphones and mobile phones (even without a SIM card), always free of charge.

112 works inside the range of any cellular network. If the area of the incident is not covered by the caller’s network, the 112 call will be routed through other cellular networks which cover the area (national and international roaming).

112 calls provide the caller location capability.

You may also reach 112 via the following alternative channels:

• Text message (SMS) or MMS to 112.
• Fax to 11.112.
• Email at contact@112.gov.gr.

When dialing 112, the emergency call taker will ask for the location of the emergency and questions to determine whether you need police, fire, medical or other assistance. When reaching 112 by text message, fax or email, include the following information on your message:

• What is your emergency?
• What is the location of the emergency?
• Are there any casualties?

The public authority having jurisdiction for 112 in Greece is the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

More information

More information on the operation of 112 in every EU country can be found at http://www.112.eu

Check out the Kids’ Corner at the European Commission website: https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/kids-corner