Emergency services
Single emergency number
Emergencias 112
What to do in heavy rain and flooding (DANA)
How to stay safe during the autumn downpours on the Costa Blanca: warnings, dangerous places and who pays for the damage.
112 If a life is at risk, call 112 first: it is free, works without a SIM card and answers in English.
Steps
- Follow official warnings: AEMET levels (yellow, orange, red), ES-Alert messages on your phone and the GVA 112 Avisos app. Do what Civil Protection tells you.
- Do not drive or walk through flooded streets, fords, underpasses, dry riverbeds or gullies (ramblas, barrancos): the water is deeper and faster than it looks.
- Do not go down to a garage or basement to move your car. Go to an upper floor.
- If water rises around your car, get out and head for higher ground.
- Keep your phone charged and have a torch, water and your medicines ready. Trust only official information.
- If a life is in danger, call 112.
- Afterwards, photograph the damage before cleaning up. Flood damage to insured property is paid by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros.
Say it in Spanish
Está entrando agua en casa. Necesitamos ayuda.
Water is coming into the house. We need help.
Who to call
Emergency services
Fire brigade
Bomberos
Depends on the municipality. If you cannot get through, call 112.
Insurance
Consorcio: damage from floods, storms and other extraordinary events
Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros
This state body pays for damage from floods (DANA), storms or earthquakes if you have home or car insurance. The first number is free, Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00.