One in two Finnish households have taken self-preparedness measures to cope for 72 hours
Half of Finns estimate their level of preparedness to be in line with the national 72 hours recommendation of the authorities and NGOs. The majority also see that households’ preparedness plays an important role in ensuring society’s resilience to a crisis. Major water supply disruptions and prolonged power outages were seen as the most challenging situations. This is according to a survey by the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK).
Households’ level of emergency preparedness has developed positively over the last two years, according to a survey by SPEK. According to the survey, 54% of Finns estimated that their preparedness was in line with the 72 hours recommendation. In previous surveys, the percentage of respondents who estimated their preparedness to be at a good level was 41% in 2021 and 35% in 2023.
As many as to 82% of respondents agreed that individual preparedness plays an important role in the event of disruptions to society.
“It is great to see that attitudes towards self-preparedness among Finns are so positive. Things are generally good in Finland, but all kinds of disruptions and even intentional interference can happen at any time. Households’ preparedness plays a huge role in the overall resilience of society,” says Markus Latva-aho, Head of Preparedness at SPEK.
Households should have five litres of bottled water in stock for each person in the family
According to the survey, most Finns keep enough food stocked at home to survive in case of a disruption. On the other hand, only about half could manage for three days on their own without water or electricity. In the survey, 35% of respondents said they have stocked bottled water to last for three days.
“Clean, drinkable water and electricity needed for heating, especially in apartment buildings, are basic necessities without which many people find it difficult to manage. When it comes to preparedness, the most important thing may be to have at least 5 litres of bottled water for each member of the household. It’s also a good idea to practice useful survival skills, such as how to stay warm in a house or apartment without heating,” Latva-aho says.
Less than a third feel that their financial situation affects preparedness
Respondents aged 65 and over were the best prepared, of whom more than two thirds follow the recommendation. Good preparedness is motivated by the attitude that taking precautions is everyone’s personal responsibility. Preparedness was seen as part of one’s way of living, regardless of the place of residence.
On average, young people, low-income households and urban residents were less well prepared. The most common reasons for a lack of preparedness were indifference, confidence that the surrounding society will keep functioning, and financial challenges. Just under a third (28%) of Finns feel that it is too expensive to take self-preparedness measures.
“On the positive side, four out of five respondents said they were familiar with the preparedness recommendations. However, not everyone has turned this knowledge into action, so there is still a need to raise awareness about the topic,” Latva-aho says.
The Finnish National Rescue Association SPEK conducted its ninth survey on household preparedness in spring 2025. In the survey, one thousand Finnish residents aged 18 to 79 were asked about their estimate on their level of preparedness, resources, coping during a disruption, civic skills and their role in the event of an incident or disruption. The survey was conducted in the form of an online questionnaire. The survey was funded by the National Emergency Supply Agency.