Updated 23.3.2022

The general message from the authorities is that there is no threat to Finland that would require the introduction of civil protection orders or the use of iodine tablets.

As a matter of priority, questions about the protection of the population in the area should be addressed to the regional rescue authority.

In 2020, there were about 54,000 shelters in Finland, with about 4.4 million shelters. Civil protection protects e.g. explosion and fragmentation effects, building debris, pressure waves and radiation and hazardous substances. Shelters exist where there are large numbers of people and buildings are large, that is, mainly in cities and population centers. Most of the shelters are property-specific shelters. These are built in connection with normal construction when the size of the building is large enough (1200 m2 in residential properties, 1500 m2 in other properties).

Initialization of civil protection

Deployment is announced as an official order.

There is 72 hours to put the shelter in operation.

Deployment is done by the Civil Protection Officer (if appointed) or property users. Instructions for use must be found in the protective equipment.

Caretaker of civil defence shelter

It is recommended that the civil defence shelter has a designated and trained caretaker who is responsible for, among other things, the maintenance of the civil protection (eg regular use of the machines) and commissioning.

It is recommended that the caretaker  is a person living or staying on the property. The civil defence shelter caretaker can also be a property maintenance employee (maintenance and upkeep work).

In the event of a protection, the civil defence shelter caretaker is directing the activities in the civil defence shelter.

When to move to a shelter?

The protection of the population is initialized by a separate order of the authority.

Before protection, the civil defence shelter must be put into operation. For example, ventilation and sealing of the shelter require measures to ensure that the shelter is airtight.

Without being put into service, the guard acts as a bomb shelter.

Where is my shelter located?

Civil defence shelter is most often found in the premises of larger housing associations or workplaces. The shelters are used by the residents or employees of the properties. The company's places of refuge may be on the premises of a neighboring company (encumbrance agreement). Shelters have also been placed in connection with public spaces, such as schools and agencies, where they are intended for the needs of the users of the property in question.

Shelters are usually located in the basement or ground / ground floor of a building. Shelters can also be located in separate buildings, for example in connection with outdoor storage.

The shelters are marked with an international sign, which is a blue triangle on an orange background.

General civil protection

The rescue operation services prepare for regional civil protection. There are various types of general shelters in the area of ​​various rescue services. Contact your local rescue service for more information.

Due to the limited regional availability of general shelters, in exceptional circumstances the additional powers of the authorities allow e.g. taking over buildings and allocating shelters to people in nearby areas who do not have their own shelters in their homes.

Other facilities may, if necessary, be designated as shelters against the effects of conventional weapons. The starting point for protection is that people are assigned places of refuge within a few hundred meters of their place of residence.

Alternatively, residents without a shelter will be evacuated from the danger area. The evacuation of the area will be announced separately by the authorities.

Information on general civil protection in the Helsinki area is available on the website of the Helsinki Rescue Department:

https://www.hel.fi/pela/fi/vaestonsuojelu/

Contact details of regional rescue services

Contact information for rescue services can be found on the websites of the rescue services.

• Etelä-Karjalan pelastuslaitos www
• Etelä-Pohjanmaan pelastuslaitos www
• Etelä-Savon pelastuslaitos www
• Helsingin pelastuslaitos www
• Itä-Uudenmaan pelastuslaitos www
• Jokilaaksojen pelastuslaitos www
• Kainuun pelastuslaitos www
• Kanta-Hämeen pelastuslaitos www
• Keski-Pohjanmaan ja Pietarsaaren alueen  www
• Keski-Suomen pelastuslaitos www
• Keski-Uudenmaan pelastuslaitos www
• Kymenlaakson pelastuslaitos www
• Lapin pelastuslaitos www
• Länsi-Uudenmaan pelastuslaitos www
• Oulu-koillismaan pelastuslaitos www
• Pirkanmaan pelastuslaitos www
• Pohjanmaan pelastuslaitos www
• Pohjois-Karjalan pelastuslaitos www
• Pohjois-Savon pelastuslaitos www
• Päijät-Hämeen pelastuslaitos www
• Satakunnan pelastuslaitos www
• Varsinais-Suomen pelastuslaitos www

No information on civil protection

It is possible that the Housing Company or the property does not have its own civil protection or shelters in other properties.

Information on the encumbrance agreement (places of refuge at the premises of another company) can be found in the company's articles of association.

Air tightness and annual tests

The owner of the civil defence shelter must take care of the functional condition of the machinery and equipment of the civil protection and the condition of the equipment by regular maintenance in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer.

Every 10 years, an air tightness test must be performed to test the condition of the shelter.

If there is no information on the last maintenance and inspection measures to be carried out, these measures must be carried out to ensure that the equipment and accessories are in working order.

Maintenance and inspection procedures can be performed by the property manager or the shelters caretaker.

Companies performing maintenance and inspection work can be found, for example, with the keywords “AIR RAID SHELTER INSPECTIONS”.

Deficiencies and defects found during maintenance and inspections must be rectified.

What to take with you in to the shelter?

You may take:

· Food for personal use for 2-3 days

· Personal medicines

· Hygiene products

· Bed linen (eg sleeping bag and camping pad)

· Flashlight and batteries

· You can bring entertainment (books, games, etc.)

DO NOT take:

· Pets

· Alcohol

· Drugs

· Weapons

· Appliances producing heat (gas stove, storm lantern, etc.)

· Malodorous products (perfumes)

· Smoking is not allowed in the shelter.

Home emergency supply

Regardless of civil protection, one of the most important and easiest things to prepare for is home emergency supply

Home emergency supply provides security in smaller and larger disruptions, such as a prolonged power outage or illness.

Home emergency supply is practically enough food, drinkable, covered containers to store water, medicines for three days.

Domestic assets will be utilized in the transition to civil protection, as residents must bring e.g. own food.

Useful links

Pelastustoimi

https://pelastustoimi.fi/pelastustoimi/varautuminen

72-hours::

https://72tuntia.fi/