French Emergency Phrases: Essential Guide Part 2
French Safety Emergency Phrases
Reporting Crime
-
"Au voleur!" (Stop, thief!)
- Used when witnessing theft
- Quick alert to others nearby
-
"J'ai besoin de la police!" (I need the police!)
- Direct request for law enforcement
- Used in threatening situations
Fire Emergencies
-
"Au feu!" (Fire!)
- Universal fire alert
- Used to warn others immediately
-
"Il y a un incendie!" (There's a fire!)
- More specific fire alert
- Used when calling emergency services
Lost Items and Documents
Reporting Lost Items
-
"J'ai perdu..." (I've lost...)
-
- mon passeport (my passport)
-
- mon portefeuille (my wallet)
-
- mes papiers (my documents)
-
-
"On m'a volé..." (Someone stole my...)
- Used for reporting theft
- Important for police reports
Vehicle Problems
Car Emergencies
-
"Ma voiture est en panne" (My car broke down)
- Used when needing roadside assistance
-
"J'ai eu un accident" (I had an accident)
- Used for reporting car accidents
Asking for Help
General Assistance
-
"Pouvez-vous m'aider?" (Can you help me?)
- Polite request for help
- Used in any urgent situation
-
"Je ne parle pas français" (I don't speak French)
- Important to communicate language barrier
- Often followed by "Parlez-vous anglais?" (Do you speak English?)
Important Numbers in France:
- 15: SAMU (Medical emergencies)
- 17: Police
- 18: Firefighters
- 112: European emergency number
- 114: Emergency SMS for deaf/hard of hearing
Stay calm when using these phrases. Speak slowly and clearly, and use hand gestures if needed to support your communication.
Cultural Note:
French emergency responders are trained to handle foreign visitors, but knowing these basic phrases can speed up assistance and ensure better communication during critical moments.