Suojareittejä

Suojareittejä (sing. suojareitti) are routes designed to provide protection and safe passage for people during emergencies or hazardous situations. The concept covers networks of paths or passages that connect everyday routes—streets, trails, or corridors—with shelters, safe areas or evacuation points. While the term is Finnish, similar concepts exist in many countries under labels such as evacuation routes, shelter paths or protected corridors. In Finland, suojareittejä have historical roots in civil defense planning and are still referenced in municipal risk assessments and emergency-preparedness guidance.

Typical suojareittejä are integrated into urban and rural planning. They may be underground passages, covered walkways, or surface routes that offer protection against hazards such as blast effects, fire, smoke, or severe weather. They are usually clearly marked, with signs, maps, and lighting, and they are designed to be usable by a broad range of people, including during reduced visibility or evacuation. Facilities along the routes can include emergency exits, assembly points, and communication points. Maintenance and accessibility are important considerations, as is ensuring that routes remain usable during winter conditions.

Management varies by jurisdiction but commonly involves collaboration between municipal authorities, civil-defense agencies, and landowners. Preparation may include regular drills, public information campaigns, and periodic reviews of route networks as part of broader disaster preparedness and climate resilience efforts.

See also: civil defense, evacuation route, shelter network, disaster preparedness.