Be prepared, the Finnish way. How new technologies can enhance disaster risk prevention and response.
We are committed to strengthening the European Union's resilience through improved preparedness. This involves enhancing our collective readiness, fostering cooperation and sharing knowledge. As we encounter more complex and simultaneous crises, especially those that cross borders, our civil protection system will be challenged. Therefore it's vital to continually update key elements like civil shelters and warning systems to protect our communities both nationally and internationally.
In Finland, civil defence shelters play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of its citizens. There are approximately 50,500 civil defence shelters in Finland, with space for around 4.8 million people. The Finnish authorities regularly practice civil defence and are fully prepared to protect the population in emergency situations. But we want to be even more prepared.
At South Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, we believe that security cooperation is key in producing knowledge and expertise, especially for risk management and preparedness. We work closely with the authorities, private companies and associations to provide the necessary information and skills to regional and national actors.
The virtual shelter via simulator is a new and exciting innovation, which is changing the way we train people to use shelters. As a rescue authority, we saw the possibilities to create a cost-effective and realistic training environment.
By bringing together technology from different levels of Finnish authorities and universities, we developed a simulator where users can practice decision-making and preparedness skills in virtual environment.
The virtual shelter is a VR simulation training tool for shelter personnel. We have created realistic social scenarios and interactive tasks for the users. Our aim is that when we combine the gamification aspects with the immersive narratives, we can make the simulation training more appealing to people of different backgrounds. This way, the users can develop their skills in a safe and controlled virtual environment.
As we look to the future of European preparedness, Finland is willing to share its expertise and best practices. The virtual shelter VR simulator is just one example of how innovative solutions can improve readiness and response times in crisis situations.
Our aim is to help ensure that the EU and its member states are better prepared in the future.
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