Preparedness

Preparedness means preparing in advance for various disruptions, crisis situations, and exceptional circumstances. Under the Emergency Powers Act, municipalities are required to prepare for disruptions through contingency planning and advance preparations. Individual preparedness is also important and contributes to society’s overall resilience during emergencies and exceptional situations.

Examples of situations that require preparedness include:

  • Prolonged power and water outages
  • Major disruptions to telecommunications or banking services
  • Damage caused by natural events such as storms or wildfires
  • Societal crises, such as a pandemic or military conflict

How Does Jakobstad Prepare?

The Town of Jakobstad’s preparedness and contingency planning aim to ensure the safety of residents in all situations.

The town is prepared to operate during disruptions and to maintain the continuity of essential services. In addition, Jakobstad actively communicates during incidents through its communication channels, including its website.

In Ostrobothnia, rescue services and civil protection preparedness are the responsibility of the Ostrobothnia Rescue Department.

Civil Protection

Civil protection includes warning the public of danger, sheltering people in civil defence shelters, and evacuation to safer locations. It also includes medical services, firefighting, and rescue operations. In Jakobstad, civil protection is the responsibility of the Ostrobothnia Rescue Department.

Civil defence shelters are used only in rare exceptional circumstances, such as a radiation hazard or a military conflict. Shelters provide protection from blast effects and shrapnel, building collapses, pressure waves, radiation, and hazardous substances. According to the Rescue Act, shelters must be maintained and capable of being put into operation within 72 hours.

There are no public civil defence shelters in Ostrobothnia. Protection is therefore provided through shelters located in housing companies, businesses, institutions, and other buildings.

Preparedness for Residents of Jakobstad – What Can I Do?

Everyone should be prepared to manage for at least three days in the event of a disruption. A good starting point is maintaining an emergency supply kit at home, including food, water, medications, and other essential items for all household members for at least 72 hours.

It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the basics of preparedness so that you know where to find reliable information and how to act during different types of disruptions.

Everyone should download the 112 Suomi emergency application to their phone. How to use the 112 Suomi App.

Your Home Emergency Supply Kit Should Include at Least:

  • Water containers (clean and with lids)
  • Bottled water (at least 5 litres per person)
  • Easy-to-prepare food suitable for all household members
  • Food and water for pets
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Battery-powered flashlight
  • Spare batteries
  • Fully charged power bank for mobile devices
  • Camping stove, fuel, and matches
  • Some cash
  • Essential medications
  • Iodine tablets
  • Plastic bags and toilet paper
  • Hygiene supplies (such as wet wipes and hand sanitizer)
  • First aid supplies
  • Firewood, if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove
  • Smoke detector
  • Fire extinguisher and/or fire blanket
  • Duct tape

(Source: 72hours.en)

Where to Get Information During a Disruption

Town of Jakobstad Channels

  • Town of Jakobstad website: www.jakobstad.fi
  • If a power outage lasts several days, the Town of Jakobstad will also provide printed notices at the library and sports hall.

Jakobstad Water

Herrfors Network

YLE

  • YLE Vega 98.5 MHz
  • YLE Radio Suomi 87.9 MHz
  • YLE TV1 & TV2, Teletext

Authorities’ Information Channels

Useful Resources and Contact Information

  • How to act if you receive an emergency warning about a potentially dangerous drone (unmanned aircraft): Possible Drone Threat

  • Herrfors Network
    • Private customers – Herrfors
    • Customer service in Jakobstad: Monday–Friday, 10:00–15:00: Phone: +358 6 781 5300
    • Fault reporting service (24/7): Phone: +358 6 723 0079