What is Civilna zaštita in Croatia's disaster system?

Civilna zaštita is Croatia's civil protection framework. It coordinates authorities, emergency services, specialist organizations, institutions, volunteers, and resources during major emergencies.

What should people do during an earthquake in Croatia?

Indoors, get low and protect the head and neck beneath or beside sturdy furniture when possible. Stay away from windows, and after the shaking stops, leave only when the route is safe while remaining alert for aftershocks.

How should a wildfire evacuation in Croatia be handled?

Follow instructions from firefighters, police, Civilna zaštita, and other responders without delay. Take essential items only when time permits, use the directed route, and do not return until authorities say the area is safe.

What belongs in a disaster kit for Croatia?

A basic kit should include water, durable food, essential medicine, first aid supplies, a flashlight, spare power, important information, hygiene items, and clothing suitable for local conditions.

Disasters in Croatia

Croatia can face earthquakes, wildfires, floods, severe storms, heat, heavy snow, and other emergencies. The main local framework is civil protection, known as Civilna zaštita, which coordinates public bodies and emergency services. Simple preparation helps households react faster when normal services are disrupted.

Tip

Know the safest places inside your building, two ways out, and a meeting point outside your immediate area. Keep a portable emergency kit where it can be reached quickly. During an event, protect life first and follow instructions from Civilna zaštita and emergency responders.

byMarta&Ante

Disaster management in Croatia operates through the civil protection system, known as Civilna zaštita. It brings together national and local authorities, emergency services, specialist teams, public institutions, volunteers, and community resources. The emergency number 112 is the central contact when life, health, property, or the environment is in immediate danger. Dispatchers can coordinate police, firefighters, medical assistance, rescue teams, and other responsible services. Earthquakes are an important natural hazard in parts of Croatia. Damage can include falling objects, unsafe buildings, broken utilities, blocked roads, and aftershocks after the first movement ends. Wildfires are especially relevant during hot, dry, and windy periods. Fire can spread quickly through vegetation, threaten settlements and roads, reduce air quality, and make evacuation necessary. Flooding can develop near rivers, low ground, drainage systems, and coastal areas. Intense rain and storms may also create flash flooding, landslides, power interruptions, and dangerous travel conditions. Severe wind, thunderstorms, hail, heat, cold, and heavy snow can disrupt transport and essential services. The practical effects often matter more than the hazard's formal category. Authorities may warn people to remain indoors, avoid an area, prepare to evacuate, or leave immediately. Instructions can be delivered through official alerts, local services, public announcements, or responders at the scene. An evacuation means moving to a safer place using the route and method given by authorities. People should take essential medicine, identification, communication equipment, basic supplies, and necessary items for children or dependent persons when time permits. Disaster plans have limits because events can change quickly and communications may fail. A household that can manage basic needs for a short interruption is better able to wait for reliable instructions and help others safely.