South Africa Emergency Numbers

Police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency service numbers for South Africa. Tap any number to call. Part of 29,900+ services, 588 first aid tips, and 521 preparedness guides — offline, free, and private.

Emergency Universal emergency number for all services 112
Fire Umlilo Fire brigade and wildfire response 112
Police Amaphoyisa Law enforcement and crime reporting 112
Ambulance I-ambulensi Emergency medical transport and paramedic dispatch 112

Calling Here

International dialing code: +27

Languages spoken: Zulu (22.7%), Xhosa (16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), English (9.6%), Northern Sotho (9.1%).

  • In Afrikaans, common greetings include “Goeie môre” (Good morning), “Goeie middag” (Good afternoon), and “Goeie naand” (Good evening).
  • In English, common greetings include “Hello”, “Good morning”, “Good afternoon”, and “Good evening”.

Hazard Preparedness

Create a Flood Emergency Plan

Prepare your household for potential flooding by creating a specific emergency plan. Identify your flood risk, establish evacuation routes to higher ground, create a communication plan, and assemble necessary supplies.

  • Determine your specific flood risk (check flood maps, know local flood history).
  • Identify safe evacuation routes to higher ground.
  • Establish a family communication plan (including out-of-area contact).

Create Defensible Space

Reduce the likelihood of your home igniting from a wildfire by creating defensible space. Clear flammable vegetation, trees, and debris within at least 30 feet (more on slopes) around structures, creating a buffer zone. Maintain this space regularly.

  • Zone 1 (0-5 ft from house): Remove *all* flammable vegetation, use non-combustible mulch (gravel), clear debris from under decks, remove flammable items.
  • Zone 2 (5-30 ft): Keep grass mowed short, prune lower tree branches (6-10 ft from ground), create space between shrubs and trees, remove dead vegetation.
  • Zone 3 (30-100+ ft, depending on slope/vegetation): Thin trees, reduce density of vegetation, remove dead material.

Create an Emergency Kit

Ensure self-sufficiency during severe weather by assembling an emergency kit with essentials: water, non-perishable food, first aid, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, sanitation items, and important documents.

  • Include basics: Water (1 gal/person/day for 3-7 days), Non-perishable food (3-7 days), Battery/hand-crank Radio (NOAA preferred), Flashlight, Extra batteries.
  • Add: First aid kit, Medications (7-day supply), Whistle, Dust masks.
  • Pack: Plastic sheeting/duct tape (for sheltering), Moist towelettes, garbage bags, basic tools.

Emergency Coverage

Service types 4/4
Emergency numbers 1/6

Emergency Numbers in Related Countries

Police, fire, and ambulance numbers for related countries.

AntarcticaAntartic112 BotswanaBechuanaland112 EswatiniSwaziland999 LesothoBasutoland123 Mozambique119 Namibia10 South AfricaAzania, Mzansi, Xhosa, Suid-Afrika, Zuid-Afrika112 ZimbabweRhodesia112

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