Storms and floods

Storms and floods pose both a danger to human safety and may cause significant damage to property.

• During a storm, strong winds and especially gusts of wind cause damage.
• For example, floods can be caused by sudden heavy rainfall, melting snow cover or rising seawater on the coast.

Other sudden and severe weather phenomena, such as lightning, hail, freezing rain and snowstorms, also cause danger and harm, for example, for drivers and pedestrians.

A storm may emerge quickly. Taking precautions allows you to avoid accidents and storm damage.

Severe winds make it difficult to get around by walking, using other light means of transport and care. Objects thrown around by the wind also pose a risk.

Key measures to prepare for storms:

• Find out whether you live in a flood risk area or whether there is a risk of stormwater or flood water from the streets in an urban area flooding your house.
• Follow the weather forecasts for your area. Check the flood warnings on the Vesi.fi website.
• Make sure you have emergency food supplies for at least 3 days at home to avoid traffic.
• Reserve the necessary equipment: a flashlight and a radio that operates with batteries or without mains electricity. Depending on your situation, consider what are the other things you need.
• Think about how you protect your movable property from the wind. Make sure you have tools to secure objects.
• Think about the risks that may arise in your environment during a storm and try to reduce them. Cut down any dead trees in your garden, make sure your roof is firmly fixed in place and fasten any items that may be blown away by the wind.

Read more: Storm - Pelastustoimi.fiOpens in a new window.

When you receive a storm warning in your area, take precautions in good time.

During a flood, people and animals may become marooned and there is no safe way to exit the flooded area by walking or driving. The area is difficult to access by rescue vehicles. It may take a long time for rescuers, an ambulance or a police officer to get to the emergency.

Flooding can also pollute the environment, as floodwater may also contain wastewater.

Key measures to prepare for floods:

• It is the responsibility of residents and businesses to protect themselves and their property from floods.
• Find out whether you live in a flood risk area or if there is a risk that stormwater or floodwater could flood your house or cause other harm.
• Follow the weather reports and warnings in your area.
• Make sure you have emergency food supplies for at least 3 days at home to avoid traffic.
• Reserve the necessary equipment: a flashlight and a radio that operates with batteries or without mains electricity. Depending on your situation, consider what are the other things you need.
• Reserve tools that help you protect your home against floodwaters, such as sandbags and a pump.

Read more:

• Prepare for floods - Vesi.fiOpens in a new window.
• Water situation - Vesi.fiOpens in a new window.
• Am I living in a flood risk area - Vesi.fiOpens in a new window.
• Avoid water damage - Pelastustoimi.fi Opens in a new window.

If there is a flood warning in your residential area or near any area where you own property, take precautionary measures as early as possible.

Home owners are responsible for protecting their property. Move your belongings to safety, both indoors and outdoors.

Follow information, warnings and instructions from the media and online. Local rescue departments, municipalities and Economic Development Centres provide information on floods.

Read more:

• Water situation snapshots - Vesi.fiOpens in a new window.
• How to act in the event of a flood - Vesi.fi Opens in a new window.
• Instructions for flash floods (in Finnish) - Finnish Meteorological InstituteOpens in a new window.