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1.6.2026 | A new emergency warning system complementing the existing systems will be built in Finland by the end of October 2026. The new FI-Alert system will complement the current emergency warning system by delivering faster and more accurately targeted regional warnings directly to mobile phones. The Ministry of the Interior and Erillisverkot Group signed an agreement on implementing the FI-Alert system on 28 May 2026.

4.5.2026 | The Ministry of the Interior has launched a project to develop guidance for the public on how to prepare for emergency conditions. The guidance will complement existing preparedness advice in the Preparing for Incidents and Crises guide published on Suomi.fi.

Emergency conditions The definition of emergency conditions covers not only an armed aggression but also other exceptional circumstances that seriously threaten the nation, including extremely serious natural disasters, pandemics and major acciden...

International cooperation Finnish rescue services engage in continuous international cooperation with the European Union, the UN, NATO, the Nordic countries and other neighbouring countries alike. The Ministry of the Interior Department for Rescue...

Rescue services Accident prevention, rescue operations, preparedness and civil defence form a coherent system in Finland that covers all types of incidents from daily accidents to major disasters. The Ministry of the Interior guides and directs em...

Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department Emergency medical care The Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department provides first response and emergency medical services in 10 municipalities in line with the cooperation agreement concluded with the Hospital District of H...

Communications guidelines for rescue services in 2024–2026 These guidelines for communications in rescue services are intended as a common base that can be supplemented by the organisations' own communications plans. Tasks and objectives of commun...

Education and training The Emergency Services Academy based in Kuopio organises vocational education and training as well as in-service training for rescue service and Emergency Response Centre personnel and preparedness training. The Emergency Se...

13.5.2026 | The rescEU Medical Stockpile hosted in Finland reached its full material readiness at the end of April. All products specified in the original plan have now been purchased and stored and they are ready to go. The project was completed on schedule, thanks to seamless cooperation among the different parties.

Ministry of the Interior Department for Civil Protection The Department for Civil Protection directs and oversees rescue services. The Department is led by Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Civil Protection. The Ministry of the Interior Departm...

Ministry of the Interior Department for Civil Protection The Department for Civil Protection directs and oversees rescue services. The Department is led by Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Civil Protection. The Ministry of the Interior forms p...

Civil defence Civil protection means assisting and safeguarding the civilian population from dangers during war or similar conditions. Finnish authorities are prepared to protect the population Planning and preparedness for civil protection are pa...

Rescue sector organisations Several organisations support and complement the work of the authorities within the sphere of the rescue services. These organisations play important roles in areas such as accident prevention, increasing public awarene...

Calendar Current Issues Current news, press releases and events of the rescue services. Latest news RSS (Opens New Window) (Opens New Window) Ministerial group on Baltic Sea Security in Helsinki: Joint measures to respond to drone-related threats ...

Become a volunteer Volunteer organisations and associations play a very important role in rescue departments’ daily work, helping rescue departments perform their basic tasks and achieve their objectives. Vital societal functions are secured in co...

Answers to questions about civil defence shelters and protection This page provides answers to common questions about civil defence shelters and protection. Finland is currently not under any military threat. There is no need to take defence shelt...

Helsinki City Rescue Department Civil defence in Helsinki Civil defence is a humanitarian activity aimed at protecting the population and securing society’s ability to function in emergency conditions. Civil defence is a humanitarian activity that...

Helsinki City Rescue Department About us Read more about the Helsinki City Rescue Department. Duty and organisation We work for the safety of the capital of Finland and its residents and visitors. Administration and decision-making Rescue services...

Helsinki City Rescue Department Expertise in the air We prepare for threats to the capital with special expertise and equipment. Maritime Incident Response Group MIRG Obliged by the Maritime Search and Rescue Act, we participate in sea rescue oper...

Helsinki City Rescue Department Questions and answers about civil defence Frequently asked questions about civil defence in Helsinki and Finland. What is civil defence? Civil defence refers to the performance of humanitarian tasks aimed at protect...