Public warning signal

A public warning signal from a public warning siren is a rising and falling sound that lasts for one minute. The rising and falling sounds last for seven seconds each. An emergency warning is always issued as the public warning signal is sounded. When you hear the public warning signal, go indoors and listen to the news and information issued by the authorities. Check the source of the news and other information.

The public warning signal is part of a multi-channel warning system

In hazardous situations and emergencies, the authorities warn the public of a direct and imminent danger to the population with a public warning signal and an emergency warning. The public warning signal is sounded using sirens placed outdoors or, in rural areas, mobile sirens on a vehicle. The public warning system does not cover all areas. Sirens are primarily located in areas with the highest number of people. The warning sirens are mainly intended to warn people who are outdoors, and the sound may not be loud enough to be heard indoors at all. The terrain, the built environment and the weather also affect the audibility of the sirens.

It is important that everyone is able to recognise the test and warning signals and know what to do when they hear the public warning signal.

Siren and sound wave on orange background. Picture of test signal, public warning and all-clear signal. In the text is the same text information.

The public warning signal is a rising and falling sound that lasts for one minute, or a warning issued using loudspeakers.
The all-clear signal is a continuous sound lasting for one minute. It means that the threat or danger has passed.
The test signal is a continuous sound that lasts for seven seconds. Public warning sirens are tested at 12.00 noon on the first Monday of each month, with the exception of public holidays, by sounding a test signal. The test may also include an announcement ‘hälyttimien kokeilu, prov alarm, testing sirens’. The test signal does not require people in the area to take any action. The purpose of the test is to help detect any faults in the system. Rescue departments and the Emergency Response Centre Agency are responsible for testing the warning sirens

Listen to a sample of the public warning signal:

What to do if you hear the public warning signal

Go indoors.
Close the doors and windows. Also close any air vents and shut off the ventilation if the authorities instruct you to do so or you notice smoke or toxic gasses outside.
Stay calm, turn on the radio and wait for instructions.
Avoid using the phone (including 112 calls) to prevent congestion on the lines.
Stay indoors.
Do not leave the area: travelling could be dangerous.

Sheltering indoors and following instructions in a hazardous situation are the most important ways of protecting yourself, and usually they are enough. This is also true in emergency conditions. When indoors, close all doors and windows and, if necessary, shut off the ventilation and close any air vents. When the danger is over, the all-clear signal will be sounded. Everyone should be able recognise the public warning signal and know what to do when you hear it.

An emergency warning is always issued as the public warning signal goes off

The authorities have many ways to warn people. The most important method is an emergency warning, which is always issued as the public warning signal goes off. The authorities publish emergency warnings in the 112 Suomi app, on the radio, on teletext page 112 and, if needed, on television as text scrolling at the top of the screen. They also use other channels such as the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s Yle app, the 112.fi, pelastustoimi.fi and yle.fi websites, and the Emergency Response Centre Agency’s Facebook page. Emergency warnings are often also published in the news media. The purpose of an emergency warning is to warn the public about a dangerous incident and to give them instructions on what to do.

Do not to believe everything you read on social media. Check the source of information and follow official channels used by the authorities.

What to do in case of a drone threat

Going outside in the area specified in the emergency warning may be dangerous. It is important that you avoid going outside and take shelter indoors immediately.

Go indoors

Take shelter indoors, close the doors and windows. Stay indoors and keep away from windows and doors. Try to stay in the middle of the building.

If you are in a vehicle, leave it and go indoors. If you are the driver, make sure your parked vehicle does not block emergency vehicles.

If you cannot get indoors

Find the safest place possible where you can stay behind walls or other barriers.

If you are in wooded or open terrain and see a drone, move to lower ground if you can, for example into a ditch or hollow.

A public warning signal is sounded if there is a gas or radiation hazard

In the event of a gas hazard, follow the instructions above. In addition:

If you are indoors and smell gas or smoke from a nearby fire

If your building has mechanical ventilation, make sure it is turned off.
If gas or smoke is getting indoors, try to seal any openings.
It is better to stay on higher floors. Do not go into the basement. Gasses that are heavier than air will build up on the lower floors.
Stay calm, listen to the radio and wait until the danger is over.

If you are outdoors and cannot go inside

Move in a crosswind direction to try and get away from the gas cloud.
Go to a location that is as high up as possible, such as a hilltop.

In the event of a radiation hazard

The radiation situation is continuously monitored throughout Finland. Even very minor changes in radiation levels are detected at once, and citizens are informed immediately.

1. Go indoors

Seal the doors, windows and air vents (adhesive tape, towels, clothing) and shut off the ventilation system. This way you can keep radioactive particles out. Move to the middle of the building/apartment. The best protection is offered by an underground, well-sealed basement with no windows.

2. Be prepared to take an iodine tablet

Only take an iodine tablet if you are told to do so by the authorities on the radio or TV. Follow the dosage instructions. Iodine tablets prevent the accumulation of radioactive iodine in the thyroid gland but do not provide any other protection against radiation. Prepare in advance by purchasing iodine tablets at a pharmacy. You may not/cannot go out and buy iodine tablets in the middle of a hazardous situation.

3. Protect water and food – also for animals

Pack food in tight containers or plastic bags. Put the tightly sealed foods into a fridge or freezer, as these appliances give effective protection against radioactive dust. Also protect food, fodder and water intended for animals.

4. Read, listen to and look up additional instructions and follow the media

More instructions will be issued by the rescue authorities, the police, the Ministry of the Interior or the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, usually on all media including the radio, television, the Internet, and Yle’s teletext pages 868 (Rescue services) and 867 (Radiation safety pages). Do not to believe everything you read on social media and check the source of information.

I have to go outside – or do I?

Think carefully: do you really need to go outside despite the radiation hazard? Going outside will expose you to radiation. If you have to go outside, carefully protect you skin and airways. Dress in tight-fitting clothes that cover your entire body and skin. For example, you could wear rain clothes. Use a respirator mask or cover your face with a towel or a paper towel to prevent radioactive particles from entering your lungs. When you return, rinse the rain clothes before coming inside (if possible). When you come in, take all your clothes off in the hall, close the hall door and wash yourself carefully.