Information about safety and emergency planning by individuals

Civil defence shelters can be found in larger housing companies and workplaces. These are available to the inhabitants and workers. Civil defence shelters are also found connected to public spaces, such as schools and daycare centres. These objects must also have emergency plans. 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. If a need for shelter should arise, the emergency services would ensure that the population is sheltered, for instance, by moving (evacuating) residents to safe areas or by ensuring shelter in nearby areas.

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.

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.