Emergency warnings, the public warning signal and early warnings
Authorities warn people of various incidents with
- emergency warnings
- the public alarm signal
- early warnings.
The authorities may issue a public announcement. It can be used in situations that do not require an emergency warning.
If you hear a a rising and falling siren for one minute, go indoors and take shelter straight away.
The authorities issue emergency warnings when people are in immediate danger. An emergency warning explains what has happened and gives instructions on how to stay safe. The authority issuing the emergency warning decides its content, and the Emergency Response Centre Agency transmits it to various channels.
Emergency warnings
- are broadcast as local alerts on the radio and displayed on teletext page 112
- may also be broadcast on live TV, if the issuing authority decides to do so
- are published online at 112.fi and pelastustoimi.fi and on the Emergency Response Centre Agency’s social media channels.
You can receive the emergency warnings for your location directly on your smartphone with the 112 Suomi appOpens in a new window. – just remember to allow the necessary location permissions and notifications.
The emergency warning system undergoes regular tests. The Emergency Response Agency provides information on public tests at 112.fiOpens in a new window..
If you see or hear an emergency warning, follow the instructions. Do not call 112.
The public warning signal alerts everyone nearby to danger. It is used when, for example:
- there is a large fire that produces a lot of toxic smoke
- a toxic substance spreads in the air after an accident involving a lorry or train
- a radiation accident creates an immediate danger and releases radioactive material
- another threatening situation occurs.
Do not call the emergency number 112 to ask if there is a real danger.
When there is a real danger outside, the public warning signal is a rising and falling sound that lasts for one minute.
The public warning signal is tested on the first Monday of each month, except on public holidays. The test signal is a continuous sound that lasts for seven seconds. When you hear the test signal you do not need to do anything.
When you hear the public warning signal:
- Go into your home or the nearest indoor space straight away.
- Follow the emergency warnings and instructions from the authorities.
- Stop ventilation.
- Close the doors, windows and vents and any other areas from where air can flow into the building. Tape them shut tightly.
- Stay indoors until the authorities say it is safe to go out.
Under normal conditions, people do not go to civil defence shelters when the public warning signal sounds.
In the event of war, the signal is also used to warn people about dangers such as air strikes. If a military attack occurs, seek shelter imemdiately in the nearest civil defence shelter or other suitable shelter. The authorities will use emergency warnings and other communication channels to provide more information and instructions, as needed.
The all-clear signal is a continuous sound that lasts for one minute. The sound does not rise or fall but remains at constant pitch. When you hear the all-clear signal, you know that the threat or danger has passed.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute issues warnings about weather and sea conditions that cause danger and harm. These include winds, severe thunderstorms, rainfall and wildfires.
Warnings are prepared for five days in advance and updated around the clock. Warnings are given in weather reports and on the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website and possibly also on other weather sites.
Information on early warnings - Finnish Meteorological InstituteOpens in a new window.
Warnings in effect in land and sea areas - Finnish Meteorological InstituteOpens in a new window.