valmiustilanne

Valmiustilanne, literally meaning “state of readiness,” is a formal preparedness status used in Finland’s civil protection and crisis management framework. It denotes an elevated level of readiness in which authorities, organizations, and critical infrastructure operators coordinate to prevent, mitigate, respond to, and recover from significant emergencies or disruptions. The concept covers a wide range of threats, from natural disasters and industrial accidents to health emergencies, cyber incidents, and security-related disruptions, up to national-scale crises.

Activation and scope

Valmiustilanne is activated by competent authorities when risk assessments indicate the need to intensify coordination and resource use. Its purpose is to enable mobilization of personnel, equipment, and information flows across government agencies, municipalities, health and welfare services, emergency responders, the private sector, and voluntary organizations. Preparedness measures may include stockpiling, logistics planning, mutual aid arrangements, and enhanced communication protocols to ensure continuity of essential functions.

Operations and measures

During a valmiustilanne, authorities provide public information, issue instructions or recommendations, and may impose temporary restrictions or prioritizations to safeguard critical services such as healthcare, energy, transportation, water supply, and communications. The aim is to maintain safety, protect lives, and preserve societal functioning while allowing normal civil liberties to be exercised within the framework of the emergency measures in place.

Duration and relation to other states

A valmiustilanne is temporary and is lifted when the threat subsides and normal operations can resume. It sits within a continuum of preparedness and crisis management, distinct from more severe states of emergency. The framework emphasizes risk assessment, planning, drills, interagency cooperation, and orderly transition back to normal operations.