Short answer. In Latvia, call 112 for fire and rescue, police and emergency medical services. It has been the single emergency number since November 1997 and also works elsewhere in the EU 1. 112 dispatchers never call you first and never ask for your personal code or bank details 1. The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) leads civil protection 2.
Which number should I call?
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 112 | Single emergency number: fire and rescue, police, emergency medical service 1 |
How do I recognise a fake 112 call?
VUGD warns that 112 dispatchers never call first and never ask for your personal code or bank details 1.
Which agencies are responsible?
| Agency | Role | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — State Fire and Rescue Service; phone +371 68802112 | Civil protection, shelters, sirens and cell broadcast 23 | https://www.vugd.gov.lv |
| Iekšlietu ministrija — Ministry of the Interior | Coordinates civil protection in war with VUGD (Civil Protection Operational Management Centre) 2 | https://www.iem.gov.lv |
| Aizsardzības ministrija — Ministry of Defence | Publishes the 72-hour crisis booklet 4 | https://www.sargs.lv/lv/72stundas- |
| Valsts vides dienests — State Environmental Service | Radiation safety guidance, including iodine prophylaxis 5 | https://www.vvd.gov.lv |
In an emergency, always call 112.
Which official websites should I bookmark?
- www.112.lv — active cell broadcast alerts and the map of shelters 63.
- www.lsm.lv — Latvian public broadcasting, one of the channels used to inform the public 2.
- www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/patvertnes — VUGD's shelter page 3.
The 112 Latvija app delivers nationwide notifications and shows the nearest shelter 2. See the alerts page.
What should I keep on paper?
The Ministry of Defence booklet asks you to keep a list of important phone numbers, with copies of important documents in plastic wrapping 4. See /guides/important-documents and /guides/family-plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does Latvia's 112 also work in other EU countries?
Yes. 112 is Latvia's single emergency number and is also valid elsewhere in the EU 1.
Will 112 ever call me?
No. VUGD says 112 dispatchers never call first 1.
Who runs civil protection in wartime?
The Ministry of the Interior coordinates it with VUGD 2.
Where do I find shelter information?
On www.112.lv, in the 112 Latvija app and on VUGD's shelter page 32. See public shelters.
Sources
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Vienotais ārkārtas palīdzības izsaukumu numurs 112 Latvijā — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/vienotais-arkartas-palidzibas-izsaukumu-numurs-112-latvija (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par rīcību ārkārtas gadījumos un civilo aizsardzību — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/biezak-uzdotie-jautajumi-par-ricibu-arkartas-gadijumos-un-civilo-aizsardzibu (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Patvertnes — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/patvertnes (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzības ministrija (hosted by VUGD) — Kā rīkoties krīzes gadījumā. Papildinātā redakcija 2024 — https://vugd.gov.lv/lv/media/1351/download (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Valsts vides dienests (VVD) — Joda profilakse - praktiskie ieteikumi iedzīvotājiem — https://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/media/7026/download (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) — Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par šūnu apraides sistēmu — https://www.vugd.gov.lv/lv/biezak-uzdotie-jautajumi-par-sunu-apraides-sistemu (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Latvia, worked out for your household.
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Sources
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Vienotais ārkārtas palīdzības izsaukumu numurs 112 Latvijā checked 2026-10-20
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par rīcību ārkārtas gadījumos un civilo aizsardzību checked 2026-10-20
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Patvertnes checked 2026-10-20
- Latvijas Republikas Aizsardzības ministrija (hosted by VUGD) · Kā rīkoties krīzes gadījumā. Papildinātā redakcija 2024 checked 2026-10-20
- Valsts vides dienests (VVD) · Joda profilakse - praktiskie ieteikumi iedzīvotājiem checked 2026-10-20
- Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests (VUGD) · Biežāk uzdotie jautājumi par šūnu apraides sistēmu checked 2026-10-20