Lithuania launches 24/7 civil protection hotline 1856

A new round-the-clock consultation line for civil, fire, and radiation safety has begun operating in Lithuania, the Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD) announced on Wednesday.

The hotline, reachable at 1856, provides residents, educational institutions, and businesses with expert advice on emergency preparedness, safe behaviour during crises, and preventive measures in daily life. Calls are answered by specialists in civil defence, fire safety, and radiation protection, with support available in both Lithuanian and English.

Jolita Orentaitė, head of PAGD’s Communications Division, told LRT that the line was launched shortly after an air raid alert was lifted in the Vilnius region, noting a surge in calls—primarily from local residents. “So far, people are mostly asking about civil defence,” she said.

Callers can select a topic for consultation, leave voice messages for callback, or access information via the LT72 emergency preparedness platform, which will soon introduce an AI chatbot for faster responses. The platform’s mobile app also offers real-time guidance on emergencies—from natural disasters to military threats—including interactive maps of sirens, shelters, and evacuation points. The app functions offline and is adapted for users with disabilities.

For non-urgent inquiries, consultations are also available by email at [email protected]. The PAGD emphasised that the hotline aims not only to answer questions but to help the public identify reliable information sources and better understand potential risks.