Information about safety and emergency planning by individuals

Civil defence shelters are located in larger housing companies and workplaces and are available to the residents and workers. Civil defence shelters also exist in public spaces, such as schools and daycare centres. These sites must also have emergency plans, including plans for the deployment of the shelters. If needed, civil defence shelters will be deployed by decision and instruction of the authorities.

Smaller housing companies and detached houses do not typically have civil defence shelters. Porvoo, like the rest of Eastern Uusimaa, does not have civil defence shelters for general use. This is, however, nothing to be worried about. In most cases, sheltering indoors is sufficient. Instructions about sheltering indoors can be found in the 72-hours preparedness guide.

If necessary, emergency services will ensure that the population is sheltered, for instance, by moving (evacuating) residents to safe areas or by ensuring shelter in nearby areas.

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The City of Porvoo has prepared for incidents and abnormal conditions by anticipating, planning and practising, through multidisciplinary cooperation with different authorities and nearby municipalities. The municipality has a high level of preparedness.

The incidents we prepare for can be caused, for instance, by widespread blackouts or water system failures, major accidents, natural disasters, cyberattacks, pandemics or targeted threats, as well as worsening security situation.

The 72 hours recommendations by authorities and organisations contains comprehensive information. Home preparedness is of great benefit.

During a short disruption, the toilet bowl can be used, although the toilet should not be flushed until the electricity has returned. The pieces of toilet paper should be collected in a bin bag so that the toilet does not become clogged.

During a longer disruption or if the toilet needs to be used more often, a plastic bag may be attached to the toilet seat ring, where people can relieve themselves.

A large amount of liquid-absorbing bedding should be placed on the bottom of the bag, such as toilet paper, an egg carton or newspaper shreds. Seal the bag carefully. The sealed bags should be placed inside two undamaged plastic bags. Make sure to seal the outer bag carefully. Separate the bag into the mixed waste.

A bucket with a lid can also be used as a toilet, in which case the paper waste should be placed in a separate plastic bag. At the end of the disruption, the bucket should be emptied slowly into the toilet, while the carefully sealed plastic bags should be brought to a waste container for mixed waste.

It is also prudent to make sure to have wet wipes and hand sanitiser available for hand hygiene during the disruption.

If the disruption persists, please act, as the situation demands, in accordance with the instructions given by the health authorities, the water utility, the electricity company and the waste company.

Our reactions to difficult things are individual. The news may paint a threatening picture of current events around the world, but you should remember that at the moment Finland is not under a direct military threat. Trust information only when it is from a credible source, such as the official websites of the municipality, emergency services or other authorities.

It is worth remembering that on social media in particular, a lot of non-factual information gets spread. Do not believe or share rumours. The 72h website contains information about how you can identify information influence activities.

If you need immediate assistance, contact the East Uusimaa Social and Crisis Emergency Service. Tel. 019 5600 150.

A regular daily life is the most important part of a child’s sense of safety. You can tell your child that ‘’I can see that you might be scared’’, and remind them that ‘’you are ok, you are safe.’’ Children should not be subjected to disturbing visuals on the news or worrying parents. Conversations between parents about the state of the world should be kept out of earshot of children.

Children need help from adults in identifying and verbalizing difficult feelings. Children naturally process things by drawing and playing. It is good to encourage these activities. You can also read together with the child. The libraries in Porvoo offer a big variety of things to read for children of all ages.

Porvoo Youth Services offer safe meeting places for youths and supports the overall wellbeing of young people.

There are many associations and communities in the Porvoo area whose activities you can join to help build a good and safe everyday life.

For example, the Voluntary Rescue Service, Vapepa, is a network of volunteer helpers made up of over 50 different organisations. Vapepa’s emergency teams support the authorities in accidents and other crises. Through Vapepa, you can participate and get educated, for example, in first aid, emotional support, terrain search, food supply, oil spill response and maritime search and rescue.