Guide on the activation and use of civil defence shelters sent out for comments

The Ministry of the Interior has sent out for comments a draft guide intended to support the planning of the activation and use of civil defence shelters and to harmonise the preparation of related plans. The deadline for submitting comments is 11.8. 2025.

This general guide is aimed at building owners, holders and operators, users of civil defence shelters and rescue authorities. Its purpose is to assist in drafting plans for the activation and use of civil defence shelters.

Planning for the activation and use of civil defence shelters is statutory part of emergency planning. A written plan should be prepared even at sites where there is no legal obligation to draw up an emergency plan.

The guide describes tasks related to the activation of civil defence shelters and explains how they should be used when needed. It also provides information on civil defence shelter equipment and supplies, as well as on the use of civil defence shelters in different situations.

Maintenance of civil defence shelters must be ensured in normal conditions

In normal conditions, civil defence shelters are often used as recreational facilities or storage spaces, for example. Shelters must be used in normal conditions in such a way that they remain in working order. According to the Rescue Act, shelters must be ready for activation within 72 hours if the rescue authority so orders. Shelters would be used in emergency conditions.

“The same principle applies to civil defence shelters as to other preparedness measures. Although there is no need to activate civil defence shelters, advance planning is essential. Civil defence shelters must be serviced regularly and the necessary supplies must be acquired and planning carried out in advance to remain in working order,” says Project Manager Ira Pasi.

Readiness to activate civil defence shelters depends on several factors, all of which should be considered in advance planning. These include the technical condition of the shelter, the sufficiency of supplies and equipment, and the competence of property users.

The guide to be completed at the end of 2025

The guide is part of a project carried out by the Ministry of the Interior to prepare instructions for individual emergency planning in emergency conditions. The project is preparing instructions for emergency plans and for the activation, use, maintenance and inspections of civil defence shelters. The need for such instructions was highlighted in a recent study on civil defence shelters published by the Ministry.

The project supports the Government Programme’s objective of strengthening individual emergency planning competence in all population groups. It is funded by the Fire Protection Fund.

Inquiries:
Ira Pasi, Project Manager, tel. +358 295 488 603, [email protected]