The 72-hour preparedness training organized by the municipality brought together a large number of residents and association activists at the beginning of the year to learn how to prepare for everyday disturbances on their own. The training tour reached a total of 153 residents. The training was organized in cooperation with the village safety groups established through the project.
The aim of the training was to increase the ability of local residents to cope for three days in various disruption situations, such as power outages and water supply disruptions. Participants were able to learn about, among other things, the content of a preparedness package to be put together at home, methods of communication and information gathering, and mental resilience in disruption situations.
– The training sessions particularly sparked discussion about how people are currently prepared for everyday disruptions. For example, cooking and staying warm during a three-day power outage in the freezing winter months sparked creative solutions. The training sessions were a good reminder of how versatile a home appliance can be in everyday life when it comes to preparedness, says the project coordinator. Tea Sissonen.
The training included practical exercises, discussions and the review of various example situations. The events also provided an opportunity to learn about the operation of the village radio car as part of the emergency communication network in case of disruptions. The participants particularly appreciated the clear instructions and concrete tips that can be applied immediately in their own everyday lives.
The municipality will continue to promote the preparedness theme in the project villages this year as well. More training and materials are coming, which will help everyone improve their own and their community's resilience.
More information about preparation can be found on the 72 Hours website and the municipality's communication channels.
Fact box: What does the 72-hour advance warning mean?
72 hours is a recommendation from the authorities on self-preparedness. Its purpose is to ensure that the household can survive for three days in a situation where a disruption causes an interruption of services, electricity, water or heat.
What would be good to have at home?
- 2–3 liters of water per person per day
- Enough food that will keep at room temperature
- Medicines and first aid supplies
- Battery-operated radio and spare batteries
- Flashlight and fire starters
- Backup power supply
- Hygiene products
- Pet needs
What situations are we prepared for?
- Power outages
- Water supply disruptions
- Storms and floods
- Long periods of frost or heat waves
- Communication disruptions
- Wider societal disruptions
Tea Sissonen, project coordinator, Hollola Municipality
