During the autumn of 2023, the Western Uusimaa Rescue Department is renewing warning siren equipment in the areas of Hanko, Ingå, and Raseborg.
As part of annual maintenance, we will replace the equipment located in the areas around Hangonkylä school, Hanko fire station, Ingå water tower, and Karjaa fire station. Additionally, a public warning siren will be installed at the new Tenhola fire station in Raseborg.
The current sirens will be replaced with a new and more powerful model, improving audibility and allowing the sirens to cover a larger area than before. The maintenance reliability of the new equipment is also superior to the previous ones. Installation is scheduled for weeks 39 and 40.
The monthly test signal will be louder than before
Residents and others in the vicinity of the warning sirens will notice the changes no later than at 12.00 on the first Monday of the month following the installation. This is the time when the warning sirens are tested nationwide. The test signal is a continuous sound that lasts for seven seconds. The test may also include a voice announcement test (“hälyttimien kokeilu, prov alarm, testing sirens.”)
This change does not require any action from the residents, but it is good to be aware of it during the scheduled test times.
The public warning sirens alert those outdoors
The warning sirens can be used to issue a general warning signal, for instance, when there is dangerous smoke or gas in the air. The warning signal is a rising and falling sound that lasts for one minute.
The general warning signal signifies that people who are outside should take shelter indoors. Once inside, close the doors, windows, and air vents, and shut off ventilation, if possible. When the danger is over, the all-clear signal will be sounded. The all-clear signal is a continuous sound that lasts for one minute.
More information about the public warning signal
The warning sirens are primarily intended to warn people who are outdoors, and the sound may not be loud enough to be heard indoors at all. The terrain, buildings, and the weather also affect the audibility of the sirens. The public warning system does not cover the whole country. Sirens are primarily located in areas with the highest number of people.
The warning sirens are a part of a multi-channel warning system
The public warning signal is always accompanied by an official emergency warning. The emergency warning is read out on the radio and displayed on teletext page 112 and, if necessary, on television as running text at top of the screen.
The emergency warning is also published on the pelastustoimi.fi and 112.fi websites as well as through the 112 Suomi mobile application. Rescue Departments recommend people to install the 112 Suomi application on their phones.
There are approximately 80 public warning sirens within the area of the Western Uusimaa Rescue Department. The sirens are renewed and maintained as needed. In addition, the Rescue Department examines newly built residential areas to determine if a warning siren should be placed in the area.
Further information:
Western Uusimaa Rescue Department, Signal Manager Juha Sundqvist
