Finnish schools prioritize evacuation drills over indoor shelter preparations

Schools in Finland engage extensively in evacuation drills, but preparations for taking shelter indoors are notably less frequent. Findings from a recent study revealed that approximately 69 percent of municipalities reported conducting drills for indoor sheltering, while an overwhelming 99 percent indicated that evacuation exercises are carried out in educational institutions.

Evacuation drills are crucial, particularly in cases such as fires. Veijo Kosola, a director in the educational and cultural department of the Northern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency, noted that the risk of external threats to schools is likely lower than incidents like fires. However, he emphasized the significance of indoor sheltering, especially in light of recent violent incidents reported across Finland.

According to Kosola, it is essential for school staff to consider how to train for potential external threats. Current legislation mandates that schools must have plans for various emergency scenarios. While fire drills involve collaboration with fire services, other exercises are determined by the municipalities and schools themselves.

Johanna Albert, a supervisor of educational affairs at the Eastern Finland Regional State Administrative Agency, highlighted the need for better guidance for institutions regarding indoor shelter drills, referencing their importance in potential violent or radiation threat situations.

Safety walks ranked as the second most popular safety drill following evacuation exercises, with about 86 percent of municipalities in mainland Finland organizing regular safety walks; however, only 60 percent of bilingual municipalities do the same. The survey indicated a demand for security-related training in Swedish as well. Additionally, municipalities’ community-based student welfare plans appear to be in relatively good shape.