Safety in the Netherlands

If you need police, ambulance or fire services urgently, call 112. If it is not urgent, but you do need the police, healthcare or the fire department, read what you can do per topic below.

If you need the assistance of the police in a non-urgent manner, you can call the following phone numbers:

• For non-urgent incidents and enquiries: (0900) 88 44.

• For people who are deaf or have difficulty hearing: (0900) 18 44.

• For reporting crimes (anonymously): (0800) 70 00.

The general practitioner is the first point of contact in case of health issues. The 'huisartenspost' is there for general practitioners' care during evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.

The telephone number of the 'huisartsenpost' varies from one municipality to another. Search online for the phone number of the 'huisartsenpost' in your municipality.

Call 112 in the event of a life-threatening situation.

In addition to the police and 'huisartsenpost' (GP's office), there are many other important organisations in the Netherlands that can help you. Below is an overview:

There are several alarms in the Netherlands. The most important are the air alert and NL-Alert.

Air alert

On the 1st Monday of each month, the authorities test the air raid alarm at noon. Sirens go off for about 90 seconds. There is nothing to worry about at that time, and you don't have to do anything.

At any other time, if the sirens go off several times in a row, this is an emergency. You should go inside and close windows and doors immediately.

NL-Alert

Besides the air raid alarm, NL-Alert is used in the Netherlands. NL-Alert is the alert message you receive via your mobile phone in a life and health threatening emergency situation. The NL-Alert informs you on what is going on and what you should do.