We interviewed the fire chief responsible for preparedness at the EP rescue service, Juha Turkulainen, about the preparedness and safety work in the villages.
Why is the villages' own work on safety and preparedness so important today?
– A nearby safety net can even be vital. In exceptional situations, public sector operations are overloaded because, for financial reasons, they are not designed for daily tasks other than those of normal conditions. In exceptional situations, the number of alarms and the chain of disturbances cause major problems for the residents of the villages and for the authorities responsible for safety, health and social needs.
– Those who are able to survive a crisis situation through their own actions free up the authorities' resources, especially in the urgent initial phase, to help those whose need for help is most critical.
How does village preparedness relate to the rest of society?
– Villages also have critical functions for society as a whole. Without food and energy production, such as firewood and peat, other functions of society will also be disrupted.
When are you well prepared enough?
– Hardly ever. Preparing for the basics can be inexpensive if well planned, but it can also cost a lot of money. Preparing is a paradox: when nothing happens, too much has been done; when something happens, too little has been done.
What is the importance of individualized preparation, such as Home Reserve 72 hours?
– Everyone's own preparedness is the cornerstone of overall safety. Without self-preparedness, "the walls will fall on everyone" regardless of where they live, age, or profession. Self-preparedness gives you the opportunity to cope with the situation with the least possible damage and also helps others.
– Preparedness planning provides an understanding of society's sensitivity to disturbances and supports people's own preparedness.
72 hours is the recommended preparation time for households.