Functions vital to society will be maintained by means of preparing for possible risks. A project focusing on preparedness and related development needs in a safe society, conducted by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, analysed the management of disturbances in the distribution of electricity, disruptions in transport and pandemics.
The results of the project show that abnormal situations and changes in the operational environment should be examined using different actors' expertise as widely as possible. Preparedness plans should be sufficiently flexible to respond to the demands of different abnormal situations. Additionally, regional and local special features should be taken into account when plans are drafted.
The final report of the project focusing on preparedness and related development needs in a safe society was published today. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses in the public authorities' management of abnormal situations and related developmental needs. Examples of abnormal situations include short power outages or longer disruptions in the normal functioning of society, caused by extraordinary weather conditions.
Companies', civil society organisations' and citizens' greater involvement in preparedness planning
Some branches have statute-based, detailed requirements for risk management and preparedness, while others prefer to base their continuity management on voluntary work. According to the report, this entails a clear risk from the point of view of preparedness. In the increasingly networked environment of actors, it would be important to maintain a sufficient level of preparedness and a systematic approach. Companies' independent preparedness should be promoted by means of, for example, introducing best practices and tools and presenting service purchaser requirements and their points of emphasis. Preparedness for and activities in disturbances should be mentioned in contracts.
The third sector and private citizens should be invited to take part in preparedness planning at both regional and local levels. The third sector is already in many ways involved in the management of disturbances in the Finnish society. Third sector organisations and private citizens have plenty of expertise that could be exploited if it was incorporated in the collaboration at an adequately early phase. Supporting citizens' independent preparedness should be adopted as a new way of action.
The project focusing on preparedness and related development needs in a safe society was carried out by VTT in 2015–2016. The project was a part of the implementation of the Government's 2014 plan for analysis, assessment and research.
Further information about the Government’s analysis, assessment and research activities at tietokayttoon.fi
Further information about VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland at vtt.fi
Online access to publication
Inquiries: Jaana Keränen, Research Scientist, tel. +358 400 512 336, jaana.keranen(at)vtt.fi and Riitta Molarius, Senior Scientist, tel. +358 40 824 1394, riitta.molarius(at)vtt.fi, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
English translation of the press release published on 14 April 2015
