Short answer. In Portugal, call 112 for any emergency: it is the single European emergency number, free and available 24 hours a day, every day 1. For health questions that are not life-threatening, call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24 2. The national civil protection authority, ANEPC, can be reached at its head office in Carnaxide on 214 247 100 3.
Which number do I call in an emergency?
- gov.pt lists it under "Emergência médica" as the single European emergency number, free, 24 hours a day and every day; the responsible body is the Secretaria-Geral of the Ministry of Internal Administration 1.
Official numbers in Portugal
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| European emergency number | 112 | Free, 24h, every day 1 |
| Linha Nacional de Emergência Social | 144 | Free, 24h; urgent social-protection situations (Instituto da Segurança Social) 1 |
| SNS 24, health triage and advice | 808 24 24 24 | Non-emergency health line; life-threatening situations go to 112 2 |
| Linha SOS Ambiente e Território | 808 200 520 | 24h, operated by the GNR 1 |
| ANEPC head office, Carnaxide | 214 247 100 | geral@prociv.pt; https://prociv.gov.pt/ 3 |
When should I call SNS 24 rather than 112?
SNS 24 is a health triage and advice line for situations that are not life-threatening. If a life is at risk, call 112 2.
Which bodies are responsible in an emergency?
- ANEPC (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil): civil protection and public warnings 3.
- Municipal civil protection services: local warnings and sirens.
- APA: radiological emergencies and environmental monitoring.
- DGS: public health.
- IPMA: weather and tsunami alerts.
ANEPC's public warnings arrive by SMS from the sender AvisoPROCIV; see our Portugal alerts page.
How should I keep these numbers?
ANEPC's kit list includes the contacts of family and friends 4. Write them down on paper with the numbers above, in case your phone is lost or its battery dies. Our guides on important documents and the family emergency plan show how to organise this.
Frequently asked questions
Is 112 free in Portugal?
Yes, free and available 24 hours a day, every day 1.
What is 144 for?
Urgent social-protection situations, run by the Instituto da Segurança Social; free and 24 hours a day 1.
How do I contact civil protection in Portugal?
ANEPC's head office is on 214 247 100 and geral@prociv.pt 3.
Who do I call to report an environmental problem?
The SOS Ambiente e Território line, 808 200 520, operated by the GNR 24 hours a day 1.
Sources
- gov.pt (Governo de Portugal) — Linhas Úteis — https://www.gov.pt/linhas-uteis (accessed 2026-10-20)
- SNS 24 (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) — Quando ligar SNS 24 ou INEM — https://www.sns24.gov.pt/pt/servico/quando-ligar-sns-24-ou-inem/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- ANEPC - Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil — Contactos — https://prociv.gov.pt/pt/contactos/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil / Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores — Sismos: Prepare-se e Proteja-se — https://prociv.gov.pt/media/ovjbpe1c/sismos-prepare-se-e-proteja-se.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Portugal, 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
- gov.pt (Governo de Portugal) · Linhas Úteis checked 2026-10-20
- SNS 24 (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) · Quando ligar SNS 24 ou INEM checked 2026-10-20
- ANEPC - Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil · Contactos checked 2026-10-20
- Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil / Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores · Sismos: Prepare-se e Proteja-se checked 2026-10-20