Emergency notification
In the event of an emergency situation and major incidents, it is important that you have access to official information about what is happening and what you should do. Here you can read about the channels that Norwegian authorities use to reach the population in the event of an emergency situation.
Emergency warnings via mobile telephone
The Emergency Warning System is a service provided by Norwegian authorities. In the event of a serious situation with acute danger to life and health, you can receive an emergency notification on your mobile telephone. This relies on you having 4G or 5G coverage.
More information about Emergency Alert (external web page).
Warning systems
1250 warning systems (often called air horns or air raid sirens) are located in larger cities and suburbs. When the air horn sounds in three series with one minute between each series, this means «Important message - seek information». If the sirens sound with short tones for approximately one minute, this means «Danger of attack - seek cover». When the sirens sound continuously for half a minute, this means that the danger is over.
Emergency channel NRK P1
NRK is responsible for broadcasting emergency notifications by public authorities and important information on the radio. NRK P1 is the contingency channel that shall ensure information goes out to the public, even if other news media and public websites become inaccessible. NRK can also interrupt all other NRK radio channels with broadcasts with important messages to the public. Therefore it does not matter if you are listening to P13, P1 or other NRK channels.
To listen to public authority information we recommend that you have a battery-powered DAB radio. Remember that most newer vehicles also have a DAB radio.
