Attention! Life-threatening danger!
'Pericolo' = peh-REE-ko-loh. 'Vita' = VEE-tah (life). Strong, commanding phrase.
Warning people of immediate life-threatening danger — on a road, near electrical hazard, gas leak, etc.
'Attenzione!' (Attention/Watch out!) is a standard Italian warning exclamation. 'Pericolo di vita!' (life-threatening danger, literally 'danger of life') is the strongest warning level in Italian. It appears on official signs near electrical infrastructure, chemical plants and high-voltage areas. The phrase is used by emergency workers and civilians alike to clear an area.
Attenzione! Filo elettrico a terra!
Attention! Live wire on the ground!
Specific electrical hazard — never approach downed power lines.
Pericolo! Fuga di gas — non accendete nulla!
Danger! Gas leak — don't light anything!
Gas leak emergency — evacuate and call 800.900.999 (gas emergency line).
Non avvicinatevi — zona pericolante!
Don't come close — unstable zone!
Structural hazard — used after collapses or earthquakes.
Downed power lines in Italy are a serious hazard — never touch or approach within 10 metres. Call 112 and the electricity provider (ENEL emergency: 803.500 or local distributor). The Vigili del Fuoco coordinate with electricity companies for isolation before rescue. Italian high-voltage lines carry 15,000-380,000 volts.