Helsinki has a network of 5,500 protective shelters with a capacity estimated at 900,000 people. The city itself has about 675,000 residents.
Read more Poland begins construction of a deep-water port and container terminal worth 2.3 billion euros
Finland began developing this system in the late 1930s and continues to expand it. By law, when constructing new buildings of a certain size, it is mandatory to install a bomb shelter.
“Shelters are built for emergencies but are later rented out. They are in constant use – we know everything works,” said Jukka-Pekka Schröderus, a representative of the city’s rescue services department.
One of the largest shelters in Helsinki is designed for 11,500 people. In peacetime, these premises are used as swimming pools, spa centers, parking lots, sports, and cultural spaces.
Each shelter is equipped with airtight, shock-resistant doors, autonomous power supply, water supply systems, air filters, and chemical, biological, and radiation protection measures.
In one of the largest complexes under Hakaniemi Square, there is a children’s play center, gyms, a parking lot, and mini football fields. If necessary, the 15,000 sq. m space located 20 meters deep can be quickly converted into a refuge accommodating several thousand people.
The system requires citizen awareness. For example, the complex stores 2,000 folding beds, but a full set of sleeping places is not provided, as the system is intended for temporary accommodation.
Read more Media: Volodymyr Zelensky proposes the post of prime minister to the CEO of Naftogaz
“This is not a hotel. It is a safe place. We are organized like a submarine: a third of the people rest, a third work, a third take care of shelter maintenance,” explained J.-P. Schröderus.
Residents must stockpile food themselves. The Finnish government recommends that residents have a special 72-hour supply kit at home. It includes food, medicine, a flashlight, and batteries.
The developed shelter network is part of Finland’s “Comprehensive Security” system. It includes universal male military conscription, regular civil defense courses for company managers and officials, training women on how to act in difficult situations, as well as involving the construction sector in task execution under crisis conditions.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, interest in the Finnish model has increased. According to The Times, representatives from the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Gulf countries, and Israel are studying Helsinki’s experience.
“Many countries ask us to share our experience. We are ready to do so, although we ourselves constantly update our knowledge by studying the experiences of Ukraine, Switzerland, and the Middle East,” the speaker noted.
Read more VAATC will soon announce a new household waste manager competition
