Shelter 2026 civil defence exercise achieved its objectives

The Shelter 2026 civil defence exercise held in Kuopio, Finland on 2–3 September achieved the objectives set for it. The exercise, involving more than 2,000 participants, tested the sheltering of a large population in a shared rock civil defence shelter, as well as bringing the shelter into operational readiness, moving the population into the shelter, and operating during the sheltering period. At the same time, cooperation between authorities, organisations, educational institutions, companies and other partners in a disruption situation was practised. The exercise was not a sign of real danger, but planned and anticipated measure intended to increase safety and improve the ability to work together.

The key objective of the exercise was to determine how a civil defence shelter can be brought rapidly into operational readiness and how to act in a situation where the authorities issue a sheltering command. At the same time, practical training was provided to individuals in civil defence and activities during sheltering.

The exercise also tested the effectiveness of communications and information provision, as well as arrangements related to prolonged sheltering, such as water distribution and catering. Digital training material was produced for future use, and personnel were trained for various civil defence tasks.

“In the exercise command center, we assessed that the group trained for civil defence tasks demonstrated its ability to carry out the task excellently. The exercise strengthened the preparedness of regional actors to work together in various disruption situations and emergency conditions,” says preparedness manager Antti Haataja from the North Savo Rescue Department.

A large national and international visitor group attended the exercise. For them, the exercise provided a concrete example of Finnish preparedness and civil defence.

“With this exercise, we did not create only a positive image of Kuopio but also enhance Finland’s national image as a leading expert in preparedness. We train regularly for different kinds of crises. It is pure wisdom, responsibility and caring. By preparing, we build a safe community that can function in different situations,” describes Soile Lahti, Mayor of City of Kuopio.

The exercise produced valuable lessons for the development of civil defence

The exercise highlighted areas for development that will be utilised in preparedness planning and in the development of exercise activities in future. The most significant development tasks are related to the functionality of announcements and sound systems in Luola, schedule management, and the coordination of advance communications. In addition, a need to improve guidance provided in the civil defence shelter was identified, for example in relation to the use of facilities.

During the exercise, telecommunications networks remained operational despite the load caused by the large number of users. Telephone connections functioned throughout the exercise, although occasional slowing of the network was occured.

Overall, feedback from exercise participants was positive. From the participants’ perspective, the exercise was considered safe and well managed, and its meaning important and necessary. Factors that weakened the participant experience included long waiting times, uncomfortable conditions, and delays and congestion during the exit.

“According to the evaluation team coordinated by the Emergency Services Academy Finland, the atmosphere remained calm throughout the exercise, which is a significant success in an event involving a large number of participants. We did receive feedback that the stay in civil defence shelter was boring. That’s how it would be in a real situation, and therefore it is advisable to prepare for prolonged stays and limited activities,” says training manager Laura Hokkanen from the Emergency Services Academy Finland.

The core functions of the civil defence shelter and the practical performance of personnel worked largely well. For example, when a power cut occurred, the backup power system started quickly, and cleaning and maintenance activities in the facilities were efficient.

Cooperation at the core of civil defence

The Shelter 2026 exercise also tested the construction of a temporary civil defence shelter. Although this component received less attention alongside the rest of the exercise activities, practising it is of very great importance from the authorities’ perspective. Experiences from, for example the war in Ukraine have demonstrated the importance of temporary shelter solutions as part of civil defence.

In addition, the handling of sanitation waste in the civil defence shelter and the related practical arrangements were practised. In a prolonged sheltering situation, the effective functioning of waste management is one of the key factors for the health, safety and operational capability of the sheltered. The handling of sanitation waste during the exercise demonstrated that support functions which may appear routine also require advance planning, appropriate equipment and knowledge. Experiences from the exercise reinforced the understanding that the functionality of a civil defence shelter is based not only on structural protection but also on the ability to meet the basic needs of people in the shelter in accordance with the requirements of emergency conditions.

A significant outcome of the exercise is that a strong foundation has been created in Eastern Finland for the development of civil defence training. This work will continue in cooperation with voluntary organisations, whose support is extremely important from the authorities’ perspective.

The North Savo Rescue Department and the City of Kuopio warmly thank everyone who participated in the exercise and its planning.

“This was an excellent demonstration of cooperation. The entire exercise was carried out in a positive spirit and together,” say Antti Haataja, who served as deputy director of the exercise, and Mayor Soile Lahti.