For general emergency, call 112.
Emergency text messages: 113 - send the type of emergency and the address
Floreasca Emergency Hospital: 021 - 962
24 hour pharmacies in Bucharest: Farmacii non-stop
Other useful emergency numbers:
- Weather information number: 021 - 9591
- Train schedules information: 021 - 9521
- TAROM local airline flight information: 021 - 9361
- City transport information: 021 - 9391
Safety in Bucharest
Bucharest is a generally safe place to live as long as you take some basic precautions.
Tips to stay safe in Bucharest:
- Avoid walking alone after dark. If you do, try to avoid poorly lit streets and alleys, which may present a risk to your safety.
- Take extra precautions when you hail a taxi on the street. Always chose a well-known and trusted taxi company, and avoid independent taxis. Authorized taxis should have the company logo and the fare visibly displayed on the outside (beware of the comma separating the decimals, unauthorized taxi may charge 19.9 RON per kilometer, instead of 1.99 RON, the fare of an authorized taxi). Check the taxi license of the driver and make sure the taxi meter is on.
- Stray dogs are a safety risk specific to Bucharest. Avoid walking or cycling through areas with many stray dogs, particularly at night, as they often become aggressive.
- Never accept drinks from strangers in bars or restaurants, and avoid leaving your drinks unattended.
- Don't leave your belongings unattended in public places, as you risk theft or removal by officials as they may pose a security threat.
- Pickpocketing, especially in public transport, is common. Always hold your bags in front of you in overcrowded buses, or avoid them altogether. Beware of pickpockets in the Old Center and other tourist areas.
- Sporting events may become violent when drinks are involved. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas with unruly fans.
- Traffic in Bucharest cam be quite aggressive, especially for cyclists and pedestrians. Be cautious when cycling through heavy traffic, or if you are a pedestrian, check multiple times before crossing the street.
Natural Precautions in Romania
Even though Bucharest is generally safe from natural hazards, you should be aware that it has the highest earthquake risk among European capitals, with major earthquakes shattering the city once in a few decades. The last major earthquake was in 1977 and it had a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale, killing 1424 people in Bucharest alone.
Since then, several medium earthquakes occurred, partly alleviating the seismic tensions accumulated. However, experts are still expecting an important earthquake in the city, but its timing cannot be predicted.
Building standards have improved significantly since the seventies. Nevertheless, the city overall is still underprepared for a major natural catastrophe. The district has made a inventory count of buildings that will crumble during a future big earthquake, and marked them with red dots visible on the outside. Beware of red-dotted buildings, especially in the historical areas of the city.
What to do in case of an earthquake:
- Drop onto your hands and knees, in order to avoid falling and protect your vital organs.
- Get next to the nearest stable, sturdy areas - i.e. heavy tables, interior walls, resistance pillars and.
- Cover your head and neck with one hand, and hold on to the shelter with the other hand.
What not to do in case of an earthquake:
- Take stairs or elevators.
- Stand in a doorway.
- Go next to kitchens, windows or furniture that may fall on you.
- Run outside or to other rooms
It is also recommended to have an emergency plan for you and your family in case of an earthquake, in order to avoid injury, minimize the damages to your house and survive at least 72 hours before the arrival of rescue teams.