The national 112 Day raised awareness on the importance of preparedness
Do you have fire extinguishing equipment and first aid supplies at home? What about a home emergency kit—a little extra water, food and other essentials in case of emergency? You can improve your preparedness with small actions.
Emergency Number Week was celebrated in February this year with the theme of “Preparedness is the small actions of everyday life.” You can improve your own preparedness, for example, by maintaining a home emergency kit and ensuring that you have first aid supplies and fire extinguishing equipment (such as a fire blanket and a portable fire extinguisher) in your home. Your home emergency kit should include, among other things, bottled water for drinking, ready-to-eat food, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a power bank, some cash as well as hygiene products and any medicines you need to take. You should prepare so that, if necessary, you are able to manage 72 hours without shops, pharmacies, water or electricity. For example, an illness or a severe storm can disrupt your everyday life in ways that require home preparedness.
Tips on how to prepare for emergencies: https://72hours.fi/(external link)
Emergency Number Week culminated in 112 Day on February 11. In Western Uusimaa, it was celebrated, for instance, at the Sello Shopping Centre in Espoo. Both the Rescue Department and the Social and Crisis Emergency Services of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County attended the event to speak about everyday safety and how to act in emergency and crisis situations. The event was also attended by the Western Uusimaa Police Department, the Uusimaa Rescue Association, the Finnish Epilepsy Association, the Search and Rescue Dogs of Espoo, Emergency Response Centre Administration, and the Leppävaara contract fire brigade.
Have you downloaded the 112 Suomi application yet? https://112.fi/en/112-suomi-application(external link)
Teemu Ojala elected as Firefighter-Athlete of the Year
At the 112 Day event in Espoo, Suomen palohenkilöstön urheiluliitto ry awarded the title of Firefighter-Athlete of the Year. The title was given to Teemu Ojala who works at the Leppävaara fire station. In 2022, he won both Finnish and world championships in weighted pull-ups and set a world record with 102 kg weighted pull-ups (in the series for men under 90 kg). Amazing performances! During the award ceremony, Ojala said that he opted for working in rescue services because he wanted to help people and the Rescue Department has a good work community. Sport is important for firefighters, because the work requires a great level of fitness, and the tests you must pass are tough. For many rescuers, versatile sports are a passion even in their free time. Congratulations to our firefighter Teemu Ojala!
