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The emergency telephone number for the polizia (police) is 112 and can be used to call an ambulance too. Call 115 to report a fire.

Heavily-armed carabinieri , dressed in sleek red-striped pants, are usually staked out by the side of the road pulling over cars to check documentation or taking care of airport security. The local police (polizia ) wear blue uniforms with their pistols in white holsters and are responsible for general security, safety and petty crime.

Doctors and pharmacies (farmacie ) provide receipts that are accepted by insurance companies back home but ask your insurance provider what additional information may be necessary. If your own health insurance does not provide coverage while you are travelling, ask your agent for additional travel insurance.

Pharmacists are trained to diagnose and treat minor problems. Many items for sale, regardless of whether or not a doctor’s prescription is required, are kept behind the counter in one of a thousand little drawers, so you usually have to ask for what you’re looking for. Pointing to your sore throat is enough to let them know that you need lozenges, for example. A green cross signifies a pharmacy; if it’s closed there should be an indication of the nearest one that’s open posted on or near the shop door. Toiletries are also available in profumerie .

If you are in need of medical service in an emergency, pronto soccorso (first aid) is available at hospitals (ospedale ). In the remote interior, you’ll have to ask for details of the nearest hospital, or dial the emergency number.

Dental care is not great in Sicily and therefore not covered by most travel insurance policies. If you have a problem that needs immediate attention, ask the local pharmacist to recommend a dentist, or better yet, check with your consulate for a list of dentists who speak your language.

Although crime is not rampant, be aware of thieves, especially in crowded markets or piazzas. Report an incident to the police immediately, if necessary using the emergency number 112. You may need documentation from the police to show to your insurance company.

The guardia costiera patrol all of Italy’s coastline. Among their other duties, they are responsible for controlling pleasure craft. Boats registered in a country within the EU are not subject to customs control, but must have on board all papers necessary for the countries where the boat and skipper are registered, and must follow laws pertaining to Italian waters. For an emergency at sea, call the coastguard emergency number, 1530.

Wild fires break out easily in the dry summer and spread rapidly by the hot scirocco wind. Call the Vigili del Fuoco at 115 and 1515 for forest fires.

Bagnini (lifeguards) are not always on duty at pools or beaches. There is no widespread use of the flag system, or wind and current signals. Although Sicily’s waters are not particularly hazardous, it’s a good idea to consider all swimming as “at your own risk”. Call the coastguard in an emergency.