Disaster safety concerns wildfires, flooding, severe storms, heat, earthquakes, landslides and drought. Official warnings, local instructions and emergency services help people respond before, during and after an event. Municipalities, firefighters and other services may provide evacuation, rescue, medical assistance or practical information depending on the situation. Crime safety concerns theft, burglary, fraud, violence, domestic abuse and online crime. PSP and GNR have local policing roles, while the Polícia Judiciária handles specialised investigations. Prosecutors and courts deal with criminal proceedings, and victim-support services can provide assistance after a crime. A queixa is a formal report of a crime to the authorities and may be relevant even when no immediate emergency exists. Call 112 when there is an immediate threat to life, serious injury, fire or another urgent danger. For a non-urgent crime, preserve relevant evidence and contact the appropriate police service to report what happened. Disaster warnings and crime reports follow different procedures, so the type of danger determines which service and next action are appropriate.
Safety in Portugal
Safety in Portugal covers preparation for disasters and protection from crime. Portugal’s Proteção Civil system, municipalities, firefighters and emergency services coordinate disaster response, while PSP, GNR, Polícia Judiciária, prosecutors and courts handle crime-related work. The emergency number 112 connects urgent callers to the appropriate response.
Tip
Use two separate response plans: one for immediate danger and one for non-urgent crime. Call 112 first when life, health or property faces an urgent threat, and follow official instructions during a disaster. For non-urgent crime, prepare a clear account and report it to the appropriate police service without delaying urgent help.