Government issues new decree to specify cooperation in preparedness for civil defence in wellbeing services counties

On 24 October, the Government issued a decree laying down provisions on cooperation in preparedness for civil defence and related plans in the wellbeing services counties. The decree specifies the practices of cooperation between the authorities of the wellbeing services counties.

The decree lays down provisions on a cooperation group for civil defence in the wellbeing services counties that is appointed by the regional rescue services. The regional cooperation group coordinates civil defence preparedness tasks and plans that are the responsibility of rescue service authorities and other regional authorities.

Preparedness for civil defence requires cooperation between different authorities and coordination of activities. The cooperation groups include members from rescue services, the Finnish Defence Forces, health and social services, the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre), the Regional State Administrative Agency and municipalities in the area.

Wellbeing services counties must have cooperation plans for civil defence

The decree does not lay down provisions on new tasks; instead, it specifies the tasks already laid down by law. It is the duty of different authorities to prepare for operations in emergency conditions by making plans and other advance preparations. The rescue services of the wellbeing services counties play a key role in preparing for civil defence.

Under the decree, the wellbeing services counties must draw up cooperation plans under the leadership of the rescue services. The plans deal with mandatory evacuation of the population and the reception of the evacuated population. In addition, the cooperation group discusses issues such as civil defence shelters in the county and preparedness for their deployment.

The decree will enter into force on 1 November 2024.

Inquiries:

Jussi Korhonen, Director, Civil Emergency Preparedness, tel. +358 295 488 289, firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Linda Viitala, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 299, firstname.lastname@gov.fi