Storm

Exceptional weather conditions are occurring more frequently

The weather changes very quickly, and preparing for it is increasingly difficult. Destruction occurs across wider areas and causes major economic losses. However, a large part of the damage could be avoided by preparing for storms.

Can’t flush the toilet, there is no water, and the phone won’t work either...

Are you prepared for this situation?

It is difficult for us to imagine a situation where you can't flush the toilet, there is no water on the tap, the refrigerator, freezer and cooker are out of action, your computer has no connectivity, the phone is silent, the TV is quiet, snow has blocked the roads we normally use, the car is buried under a large pile of snow... A storm can cause major problems very quickly, and it is worth preparing for them carefully. Think of what you would do and prepare for such situations in advance.

Mainly seek shelter indoors.

Keep the radio on all the time, follow the media, and listen to bulletins and news. Only follow official and reliable channels and check the origin of news, especially on social media.

Before a storm

• make sure you have enough food and water
• avoid travelling. If you must travel, bring extra clothing, water and food
• charge mobile phones and power banks
• check the radio and its batteries
• protect or bring in your garden furniture and any other loose items that can cause additional damage when tossed by the wind, and take down tents and gazebos
• close doors and windows, especially dormer windows and glass sheeting on balconies
• keep your pets indoors
• put your car and other vehicles in the garage and keep them away from trees
• unplug all electrical devices you can get at
• check the moorings of boats and secure beach and deck furniture and similar items

During the storm

• go indoors and stay away from the windows. Tents, light structures or outbuildings are not safe
• only call the emergency number if you feel the situation is life-threatening
• note that the emergency number and the rescue services will be busy. Getting help may take a very long time as the missions are completed in an order of priority
• do not go out in a storm to repair damage to property
• avoid using elevators in case there is a power cut
• watch out for falling trees and power lines
• if you are outdoors, stay between large rocks, underneath a cliff or in a ditch to protect yourself from falling trees
• gusts of winds during the storm can force a vehicle from its lane or push over a bike or a motorcycle. Park your vehicle away from trees and power lines. Watch out for a side wind when you drive from the shelter of the forest out into an open area
• if you are out on a boat, go to the nearest shore if you can do it safely. Search for shelter from the wind, for example close to an island or in a bay or cove. Lower the sails and moor and anchor the vessel at four points at minimum.

Only call the emergency number 112 in urgent emergencies.

As the storm dies down 

• you should still avoid travelling, as the storm may have blocked roads
• watch out for fallen trees on the road and alert other road users to such obstacles, for example with a warning triangle
• stay at least 20 metres away from damaged power lines
• trees that have fallen partially or are leaning on each other may come down suddenly
• repair any damage if you know how to do it and there is no risk of additional damage
• if you do not need help yourself, check if your neighbours do
• check boat moorings, roof structures, flues and windows for any damage
• clean rain water systems and test electrical systems

Read more:

72 hours
Civil defence
Emergency warning
Civil Defence Foundation (in Finnish)