turvakaart

Turvakaart is a term used in safety and emergency management contexts, often translated as a safety or security map. In Finnish usage it refers to a geographic visualization designed to help authorities, organizations, and local communities understand hazards, plan protective actions, and communicate safety information. The concept is similar to hazard maps or risk maps used in many countries and serves as a practical tool for planning and resilience.

A turvakaart typically includes components such as hazard areas (for example floods, fires, landslides, industrial risks), evacuation routes, and designated shelters or assembly points. It may also mark critical infrastructure (hospitals, fire and police stations, power and water facilities), communication points, emergency contact information, and practical safety instructions. Some versions overlay land use, building footprints, population density, or vulnerability indicators to help prioritize response and mitigation.

Creation and governance of turvakaart usually involve local authorities, civil protection agencies, and urban planners. Data sources often include geographic information systems (GIS), hazard and risk assessments, field surveys, and input from the public. Maps are updated as conditions change and new risk information becomes available. They are typically produced for specific audiences, such as residents, businesses, schools, or event organizers, and may be distributed digitally or in print to improve accessibility.

Use and applications of turvakaart include guiding emergency preparedness and response planning, informing evacuation drills, facilitating safety education, and supporting land-use decisions to strengthen resilience. While they are valuable planning tools, their usefulness depends on data accuracy, regular updates, clear presentation, and broad accessibility to the intended audience.