Emergency warnings
Transmitting Emergency Warnings
Emergency warnings can be issued when the public faces threats to life or health or when property is at risk of destruction or significant damage. An all-clear may be given when the danger has passed.
The statutory duty of the Emergency Response Centre Agency is to transmit emergency warnings issued by authorities to the Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yleisradio). These warnings are broadcast regionally on the radio. They may also be shown on television if the issuing authority decides so. All emergency warnings are also transmitted to the 112 Suomi mobile application and to page 112 of teletext.
The Emergency Response Centre Agency supports the official system by also publishing emergency warnings on the website 112.fi and on the agency’s Facebook and X-accounts.
The content of the emergency warning is always determined by the issuing authority.
Disruptions in Emergency Communications
Telecommunications companies provide information about significant disruptions in communication networks and services that may affect emergency calls. In the event of major and unforeseen disruptions, the Emergency Response Centre Agency may issue an emergency warning to the public if emergency communications are blocked.
Alarm signal
The general alarm signal is a regularly rising and falling sound lasting for one minute, or a warning issued by the authorities using loudspeakers. The rising and falling sounds last for seven seconds each. An emergency warning is always issued as the alarm signal is sounded. When you hear the general alarm signal, go indoors and listen to the news and information issued by the authorities. Also check the source of the news and other information.
The test signal is a continuous sound that lasts for seven seconds. Warning sirens are tested at 12.00 noon on the first Monday of each month, with the exception of public holidays. The test may also include an announcement ‘hälyttimien kokeilu, prov alarm, testing sirens’. The test signal does not require people in the area to take any action.