Safety and Security

Safety and security of supply are the newest priority areas of the Central Finland Regional Strategy, into which we are investing broadly. Among other things, we offer cybersecurity and new ways to produce energy and food. Through our work, we strengthen both Finland as a whole and Europe. The central importance of security for our region is also reflected in the strategy’s tagline: Where sustainability meets safety.

We are working to ensure that Central Finland remains functional even during disruptions and emergencies. Our work on safety and preparedness is based on the concept of comprehensive safety: safety stems from the smooth functioning of daily life, foresight, and cooperation—in municipalities, the welfare region, government agencies, organizations, and businesses.

Regional cooperation is at the heart of our preparedness efforts. The backbone of our cooperation is the Central Finland Safety and Preparedness Committee (KSTURVA), whose activities we coordinate. The committee is chaired by Regional Director Pekka Hokkanen.

KSTURVA

KSTURVA is a collaborative body for regional stakeholders responsible for preparing in case of disruptions and emergencies. It serves as a planning and information-sharing forum for the region’s senior leadership on security and preparedness matters. The committee shares a common situational picture among authorities and defines the priorities, resources, and common goals for the Central Finland region’s preparedness planning. Its operations are based on mutual agreement among senior management, although KSTURVA has no decision-making authority. KSTURVA’s activities have also been utilized during crises to support situational awareness and the dissemination of information.

Shared Situational Awareness and Risk Assessment

We conduct regional risk assessments on a cross-administrative basis with the support of the KSTURVA Secretariat. The risk assessments are used, for example, in training, emergency drills, and joint contingency planning.

We also promote everyday safety and preparedness through communication and cooperation. Our goal is to strengthen safety knowledge and skills both within organizations and in residents’ daily lives, as preparedness also enhances the sense of safety.

We have developed a set of standard communication guidelines for Central Finland to support communication regarding safety, preparedness, and incidents and emergencies. The guidelines were developed by the KSTURVA communications group, led by Jenni Isopahkala, Communications Manager at the Regional Council of Central Finland. The guidelines are intended for use by all stakeholders in Central Finland.

Requests can be sent by email to the chair of the communications group: jenni.isopahkala[at]keskisuomi.fi.

Support for Development and Projects

Information will be shared shortly on funding calls and support for projects that strengthen the region’s safety, sense of community, and capacity to function. Stay tuned for updates on our funding!