Bulgaria

Bulgaria uses a national early warning and public alert system with sirens and voice announcements. The system can be activated regionally or locally to warn of imminent or ongoing danger.

• Sirens and loudspeaker announcements may be used in larger cities, selected regions and special risk zones.
• If sirens sound or official voice instructions are broadcast: stay calm, move to a protected place and follow official information via radio, television, internet or local authorities.
• Warning system tests are announced in advance and are used to check equipment and train the population.

In a real incident, the current instructions of local authorities always apply.

Country: Bulgaria

• Country code: BG
• Official language: Bulgarian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: Eastern European Time, with Eastern European Summer Time in summer
• Power supply: usually 230 V / 50 Hz, type F outlets; many type C Europlugs fit mechanically

Bulgaria generally has well-developed infrastructure in cities and tourist regions. During a prolonged power outage, communication, card payments, ATMs, gas stations, public transport, supermarkets, refrigeration, heating, lifts and parts of the water supply may still be limited.

In rural areas, mountain regions and on the Black Sea coast, winter weather, heat, wildfires, heavy rain, flooding, landslides or road closures can create additional problems. Households and travellers should therefore prepare not only for power loss, but also for restricted mobility.

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

• 112: European and general emergency number
• 166: police
• 150: emergency medical services / ambulance
• 160: fire brigade

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

Bulgaria complements siren warnings with BG-ALERT, a mobile public warning system based on Cell Broadcast. Alerts can be sent directly to compatible mobile phones in affected areas.

• BG-ALERT: warning messages on mobile phones, depending on device, network and settings.
• Sirens: acoustic warnings and, in some areas, voice announcements.
• Radio and television: important sources of official situation information during a power outage.
• Municipality, district and national authorities: local information points may differ depending on the incident.

Mobile networks and the internet may fail during a blackout. A battery, crank or car radio therefore remains important.

For private blackout preparedness in Bulgaria, supplies for at least 10 to 14 days are sensible. Supplies should be usable without electricity.

• Plan drinking water and beverages for everyone in the household.
• Store long-life foods that can be eaten cold or prepared simply.
• Keep medicines, a first-aid kit and personal long-term medication ready.
• Prepare a battery or crank radio, flashlights, spare batteries and power banks.
• Keep cash in small notes and coins, as card payments and cash machines may fail.
• Keep important documents, phone numbers and addresses offline and on paper.
• With alternative cooking or heating sources, beware of fire and carbon monoxide risks.

In flats without a private garden or balcony, safe cooking and light sources are especially important. Open fire indoors is life-threatening.

In power outages, the local grid operator or energy supplier is usually responsible. Fires, medical emergencies or immediate danger still belong on 112.

For civil protection and larger incidents, Bulgaria’s Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate General within the Ministry of Interior is a central actor. Municipalities and districts may announce additional guidance, meeting points or supply points.

Travellers and Dominican citizens should save the competent consular representation and important contacts offline before travelling. Consular responsibilities can change and should be checked before departure.