Slovakia

Civil protection sirens: Slovakia warns the public mainly through sirens. After the signal, official instructions are provided by radio, television or local announcements.

• General threat: fluctuating tone for 2 minutes.
• Water threat: steady tone for 6 minutes.
• End of threat: steady tone for 2 minutes without repetition.

When a siren sounds, stay calm, go indoors, switch on the radio and follow official instructions.

Country: Slovakia

• Country code: SK
• Official language: Slovak
• Currency: euro (EUR)
• Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time in summer
• Electricity: usually 230 V / 50 Hz, plug types C and E

Slovakia generally has well-developed infrastructure. During a prolonged power outage, mobile networks, internet, card payments, ATMs, fuel stations, supermarkets, lifts, heating and parts of public transport may be limited.

In mountain and rural areas, snow, storms, floods, landslides or road closures may create additional problems.

The most important emergency numbers in Slovakia should be saved offline and also kept on paper.

• 112: European emergency number / integrated rescue system
• 150: fire and rescue service
• 155: emergency medical service / ambulance
• 158: police
• 159: municipal police, where available locally
• 18 300: mountain rescue service
• +421 2 5477 4166: National Toxicological Information Centre

Use emergency numbers only for real emergencies. During a major blackout, lines should not be blocked by general enquiries.

Public warning in Slovakia is mainly based on sirens. Additional information is provided by radio, television, municipalities, towns, district offices and other official channels.

• Sirens: warnings for general threat, water threat and end of threat.
• Radio and television: important sources for instructions during a power outage.
• Municipality / town: local announcements, meeting points and instructions may differ by event.
• Mountain areas: check weather, avalanche and mountain rescue information before trips.

If information conflicts, follow official sources and do not share unverified messages.

Households in Slovakia should prepare for several days. Supplies should be usable without electricity.

• Plan drinking water and beverages for everyone in the household.
• Store long-life food that can be eaten cold or prepared simply.
• Keep medicines, first-aid material and personal long-term medication accessible.
• Prepare a battery or wind-up radio, torches, spare batteries and power banks.
• Keep cash in small notes and coins.
• Keep important documents, phone numbers and addresses on paper.
• With alternative cooking or heating sources, watch for fire and carbon monoxide risks.

For local power outages, the first point of contact is usually the local network operator or electricity supplier. For crisis and civil protection information, the relevant authorities, municipalities, towns and district offices are important.

In mountain areas, the mountain rescue service is also important. For poisoning cases, the National Toxicological Information Centre is available.

Travellers and people living abroad should save consulate, embassy, accommodation and family contacts offline before a trip.