InfoFinland - What to do if you receive an emergency warning about a drone
What to do if you receive an emergency warning about a drone
In Finland, authorities can issue an emergency warning when a situation threatens life, health or significant property. A warning regarding a drone threat is issued for a wide area because the fast movement of drones is difficult to predict. There may be multiple drones spread over a wide area. There may be multiple drones spread over a wide area. It is important to follow the authorities’ instructions, because the drone’s flight path cannot be known precisely in advance.
If you receive an emergency warning, follow the authorities’ instructions. The emergency warning provides the most essential instructions at the beginning. The authorities may provide further instructions and more detailed information about the situation at a later time. If you work in a role that is critical to society and need to get to your workplace, observe your employer’s instructions and arrangements. Find out from your employer in advance what procedures are followed at your workplace in the event of an emergency.
The police investigate reports of drones, i.e. unmanned aerial vehicles, operating abnormally or flying in areas where drone flight is prohibited. Examples of such places include airports, power plants, ports and other important sites. The authorities are continuously monitoring Finland’s security situation. At present, there is no military threat to Finland. However, all unusual drone sightings are investigated. In most cases, drone sightings are related to ordinary recreational activity rather than a hazardous situation.
Official warning and danger signal
If the authorities assess that there is danger, an emergency warning is issued or you will hear a public warning signal. The public warning signal is a one-minute-long sound that rises and falls. When you hear this sound, go inside to take shelter. When the danger has passed, a steady sound is played for one minute.
The official warning is broadcast on the radio and appears in the 112 Suomi app. Download the 112 Suomi app from your mobile device’s app store. If necessary, information is also provided on television.
What to do if you receive an emergency warning about a drone
Move indoors.
If you are already indoors,
- stay indoors and away from windows and doors.
- stay in a room with strong walls in the central part of the building.
If you are in a vehicle,
- exit the vehicle and seek shelter indoors.
- the driver is responsible for ensuring that the parked vehicle does not obstruct emergency vehicles.
If you cannot get indoors,
- find the most sheltered spot possible, where you are protected by walls or other obstacles.
- take cover below ground level where possible, for example in a ditch or pit.
What to do if you see a suspicious drone
- Do not go near or touch the drone. Move to a safe distance of at least 150 metres.
- Call 112 and report the matter to the emergency response centre. Answer the emergency dispatcher’s questions and follow the instructions you receive.
- Warn anyone who might be nearby. Try to prevent anyone from getting close to the object.
- Do not share your location or a photo of the drone on social media.
Do not call the emergency number 112 if you only have general questions about the safety situation.
When you install the 112 Suomi app on your phone, you will receive official warnings directly to your phone. When you are familiar with these instructions and follow official communications, you will be more safe and secure, even during emergencies.