Govt moves to develop public warning system

The Ministry of the Interior has commissioned the Emergency Services Academy Finland to prepare a report on the current state and development needs of the fixed public warning system, said the Ministry in a press release on Monday.

The report will be completed in December 2026.

The project will produce a national plan for developing the fixed public warning system, including gathering information on the implementation of fixed public warning sirens, their coverage areas and their investment needs.

The report will focus particularly on technical aspects. The traditional public authority network (VIRVE) will be replaced by new technology by 2030, requiring new solutions for public warning sirens.

In addition, the fixed public warning system is expected to require maintenance, which will be assessed during the project.

The public warning system is maintained by the rescue departments of the wellbeing services counties. In addition to rescue departments, companies that supply and service public warning sirens play a key role in providing information for the report.

Finland uses a multi-channel model for warning the population. The authorities have many ways to warn people. In addition to emergency warnings, sirens placed outdoors or mobile sirens may be used. Public warning sirens are primarily intended to warn people who are outdoors.