Emergency Preparedness in Denmark (2025)
Denmark is very safe—but it pays to be ready. Here’s a simple, trusted guide to emergency numbers, what sirens mean, official alert apps, and practical steps to keep you and your family prepared.
Essential emergency numbers
🆘 112 — all emergencies
EU-wide number for ambulance, police, and fire. Use only for life-threatening or urgent situations.
👮 114 — police (non-urgent)
General police assistance and reports that aren’t emergencies.
🩺 Medical help after hours
1813 in the Capital Region; elsewhere call your local lægevagt via sundhed.dk.
What to do in a crisis
📢 If sirens sound
Go indoors, close doors/windows, and check DR/TV2. The siren means: stop, get inside, and get information.
📻 Follow official channels
Radio/TV (DR, TV2) and the police share instructions. English updates: en.politi.dk.
💧 Basic home supplies
Keep water, simple food, flashlight, batteries, power bank, medicines, and copies of key documents.
Apps & alerts
📱 S!RENEN app
Official warning app (iOS/Android) for siren notifications and guidance. Learn more at brs.dk.
🔔 Cell broadcast / SMS
Authorities can push alerts to phones in affected areas. Keep your phone on, with location and updates enabled.
🗣️ Language
Major incidents often include basic English in S!RENEN, DR/TV2, and en.politi.dk.
Staying safe & being prepared
🏠 At home & work
Know exits, assembly points, and how to cut power/water. Keep a small “go bag” and a first-aid kit.
👨👩👧 Family plan
Agree how to contact each other, a meeting spot, and who grabs what. Practice with kids once a year.
🌊 Weather & floods
Heed coastal wind/flood advisories. Sandbags and moving valuables up high reduce damage during storms.
Useful links
🌐 Emergency Management (DEMA)
👮 Danish Police (EN)
🩺 Healthcare info
Related guides on exploringdenmark.com
🏥 Healthcare in Denmark
🏘️ Neighbourhood safety
🚗 Outdoor safety
⚖️ Know your rights
Frequently asked questions
📱 How do I get alerts?
Install S!RENEN and keep system updates on for phone-based emergency alerts.
🔊 What do sirens mean?
Go indoors and seek official info (DR/TV2/Police). Wait for an all-clear before resuming normal activity.
🆘 Is Denmark disaster-prone?
Major disasters are rare. The main risks are storms, coastal flooding, and occasional infrastructure incidents.
🌍 English information?
Check en.politi.dk and the S!RENEN app; big incidents often include English summaries.
🧰 What should be in my kit?
Water, shelf-stable food, meds, first aid, flashlight, batteries, power bank, copies of IDs, and some cash.
🔁 How often to review plans?
Annually—tie it to the May siren test as a handy reminder to refresh supplies and practice your plan.