Municipal health protection authorities to be given powers to issue emergency warnings

The Ministry of the Interior has set up a project to amend the Emergency Warnings Act to enable municipal health protection authorities to issue emergency warnings if necessary.

The Emergency Warnings Act specifies the public authorities that can issue emergency warnings. The amendment would give municipal health protection authorities the powers to issue emergency warnings, as water supply and sewerage is one of society's sectors critical to security of supply. For example, municipal health protection authorities monitor the quality of water and health conditions in the water supply facilities in their area.

Emergency warnings can be issued when the public faces threats to life or health or when property is at risk of destruction or significant damage. An all-clear may be given when the danger has passed.

The government proposal is due to be submitted to Parliament in the autumn term in 2024. The amendment is proposed to enter into force at the beginning of 2025.

Inquiries:

Linda Viitala, Chief Specialist, tel. +358 295 488 299, firstname.lastname@gov.fi