Helsingin Sanomat published an in-depth story on how well Helsinki is actually prepared for crises, and whether its international reputation matches reality.
Since 2022, Helsinki has drawn international attention for its civil defence shelters, with foreign media and delegations visiting sites such as the Merihaka shelter. According to the article, that reputation has been built largely on having something concrete to show the world: the shelters themselves.
The drone alert in the Helsinki region on 15 May 2026 changed the conversation. Many residents were unsure how to act: whether to take children to daycare, go to work, or stay home. After a visit to Kyiv in August, Mayor Daniel Sazonov concluded that getting people into shelters is not enough. A city must also plan for how everyday life and essential services continue during a crisis.
The article also points to hybrid threats, such as disruptions to electricity, water supply and telecommunications, where shelters alone offer no solution. Only around half of Helsinki residents know where their nearest shelter is, and about one in five has enough water stored at home for 72 hours.
At Verona Shelters, we see the same message in our own work: preparedness is about operational continuity, not just physical protection. Shelters need to be ready for use, responsibilities must be clear, and people need to know what to do.
Read the original post on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/p/di6jb8Mv