Safety in Helsinki

The City of Helsinki plays an important role in promoting everyday safety and in securing undisturbed city operations. In addition to a pleasant and functional urban environment, safety in the city is enhanced by well-executed municipal services.

Safety is a broad concept and touches nearly every aspect of life. Safety is also one of the values that guide City of Helsinki operations.

Planning and construction

The City of Helsinki ensures that city plans take into account safety in the living environment.

Helsinki ensures in cooperation with other authorities that a building and its immediate environment are in appropriate condition and fulfill the requirements of health, safety and usability.

• Environmental impact
• City as Constructor

Traffic

Traffic safety improvements are crucial goals in all traffic and transportation planning.

• Traffic Safety
• Impacts of traffic
• Roadworks

Environmental protection and control

City of Helsinki maintains the cleanliness and safety of public areas, streets, squares and parks.

Helsinki deals with factors that endanger resident health in dwellings and in the environment, prevent environmental degradation and mitigate damage caused by environmental degradation. Animal protection is also part of the responsibilities of the Helsinki environmental and health authorities.
Protection of the environment and nature

• Helsinki City Construction Services, Stara
• Environmental supervision
• Suspected food poisoning and defects in food

Housing

The conditions in homes must be such that they do not cause health hazards to people. Control of health conditions in housing in Helsinki is the responsibility of the Urban Environment Division’s Environment services.

If there is reason to suspect a health hazard in a home or a corresponding space for human activity, one should always first contact the property owner or manager.

• Housing and health

Social and health care services

Social services and health care authorities manage resident social welfare, income support, child welfare, health care and substance-abuse related affairs, as well as ensuring safe and healthy housing conditions.

• Social services and health care
• Urgent and emergency care

Rescue authorities

Fire and rescue authorities prevent accidents with information and guidelines, by monitoring fire safety at properties and the execution of rescue plans, and with chemicals control. The authorities also organize safety training and inform organizers of public events about safety aspects.

• Rescue Department