Flood preparedness in the Hamina and Kotka areas

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has designated (19 December 2024) 18 flood risk areas where flood risks are estimated to be significant from a general perspective. One of the most significant sea flood risk areas is the coastal region of Hamina and Kotka, and there is also a significant flood risk area in the lower reaches of the Kymijoki River.
• Flood maps and their own flood risk management plans have been prepared for flood risk areas. The plans present measures to reduce and prevent flood damage. The flood risk preparedness instructions provided in this guide are applicable to all flood situations.
• Seawater floods and the ice floods that occur in the Kymijoki River can develop quickly, so it is important to be prepared for them. Every property owner must know how to prepare for floods in advance and, if necessary, use temporary flood protection structures to protect their property in a flood situation.
• Floods are generally divided into three different categories: water floods, sea floods and stormwater floods. This flood guideline focuses on water floods and sea floods. The formation of sea floods is influenced in particular by the variation in the total water volume of the Baltic Sea and by the short-term variations in water level caused by strong winds, air pressure differences and the characteristic oscillation of the water level of the Baltic Sea. Although major damage caused by sea floods has been avoided in Finland, it is generally estimated that climate change may worsen floods.
• Not every building located in a flood risk area can be protected by society, and the resources of the rescue authorities are not sufficient to carry out flood protection measures on all properties in a large-scale flood situation. Therefore, the protection of individual properties located in a flood risk area is the responsibility of the building owners and occupiers. The aim of this flood guide is for residents to know whether their building is located in a flood risk area and how to act before, during and after a flood.
• In addition, the instructions present flood maps for the coastal areas of Hamina and Kotka that provide guidance for sea flooding and the flood risk area of ​​the lower Kymijoki River, which occurs once every 250 years. Please check whether your property is located in a flood risk area where flooding occurs more often. www.vesi.fi/vesitieto/tulvakarttapalvelu

It is the responsibility of the resident and property owner to protect themselves and their property by their own actions and to help others as much as possible. Everyone has the duty to notify those in danger of a flood or the threat of one, to make an emergency declaration and to take rescue measures to the best of their ability. (Rescue Act (379/2011)

City/municipality ensures that the city's own operations continue in a flood situation and that, for example, daycare centers and schools operate normally. The city also takes care of, for example, water supply and the protection of streets, public areas and its property. The city, in cooperation with the welfare area, arranges temporary accommodation and crisis assistance.

Southeast Finland Vitality Center is responsible for monitoring the development of the flood situation and informing rescue authorities, city organizations and residents about the flood risk, among others. The Vitality Center also provides expert assistance in flood prevention work.

Kymenlaakso Rescue Department is responsible for planning and managing rescue operations in a flood situation, as well as rescue operations. Tasks include protecting important individual sites, evacuations, pumping floodwater and other urgent tasks. Human life and health are at risk.
The tasks that are being performed are of primary importance.

Flood Center is a joint service of the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Environment Institute, which maintains a continuous flood situation picture, prepares forecasts and warns of floods. The Flood Centre offers services to regional authorities as well as residents and operators in flood areas.

A rescue plan must be drawn up for residential buildings with at least three apartments, most public spaces and workplaces, and gas stations, among others.

Plan ahead

• Please note the safe building heights set by the local authority, which are specified in the municipal building regulations and planning regulations. Please also take the construction height into account when building a building under 30 m2 (no building permit required).
• How do you protect buildings and other assets, and what are the most critical points where water can enter the building?
• Can flooding be prevented with a local flood embankment?
• Where can you get a pump to remove water if necessary?
• Where and how do you turn off the water line in your apartment and cut off the electricity to the entire building?
• Where can you move valuable assets for protection if necessary?
• Which electrical devices are at risk of flooding and how should they be protected?
• Where do you park your car so you don't hinder rescue operations?
• How can you safely leave your apartment and residential area when a flood threatens?

Verify and obtain

• Battery-operated lamps, radio and other possible accessories that will work during a power outage, even in the cold season.
• Stock up on foods that don't spoil and can be prepared without electricity or heat.
• Go over your home flood plan with your family so that everyone knows what to do during a flood.
• Install a check valve in the drains so that water does not enter the building through the drains when it rises, or prepare plastic to cover the drains and place sufficient weights on top of them.
• Ensure the functionality of drains, penetrations and rainwater systems at regular intervals.
• Sandbags and plastic or portable flood walls, as well as flood barriers and sealants suitable for windows and doors.

Clarify

• In housing companies, a person (e.g., the person responsible for civil protection) who is responsible for the property's affairs in a flood situation.
• Your insurance coverage for flood damage. If you rent, check with your landlord about insurance coverage and possible interruption of occupancy.
• The spaces below the damming height of the property's sewer connections and their protection if necessary.
• Possibility of blocking drains, culverts and manholes to prevent floodwater from entering the home or plot.

• Install flood protection structures in place, protect doors and windows, block floor drains and other low-lying openings, and insulate the entire building if necessary.
• Move valuable property to safety and electrical equipment and hazardous materials away from the floodwaters.
• Charge your mobile phones and stock up on clean drinking water and food that can be stored without refrigeration for those nearby.
• If necessary, purchase a pump to remove water and possibly a generator (backup generator).
• Turn off the water supply and, if necessary, turn off the electricity at the main switch if flooding threatens the property's electrical installations.
• If necessary, also move waste containers away from the flood area.
• Prepare to move people with disabilities, children, the elderly, etc. out of the flood zone if necessary.
• Follow various media outlets, especially alerts, announcements and instructions issued by the authorities.

• Follow flood reports from the media and the websites of municipalities, the rescue service, the ELY Centre and the Flood Centre.
• Information about traffic disruptions is available on the Fintraffic website.
• Pass on the information to neighbors, for example, and report any unusual observations to the authorities.
• Ensure the safety of people and pets and help others to the best of your ability.
• Be prepared for evacuation, have important personal items (e.g. medication) within reach.
• Avoid driving on roads covered with water. Drainage ditches may have been lifted. The road's bearing capacity may have been reduced or the water depth may be surprising.
• Floodwater is often contaminated. Take care of hygiene if you come into contact with floodwater. Avoid contact with floodwater, such as swimming, children playing in the water, and using it as a sauna.
• Bridges and culverts, as well as underpasses under bridges, can become dangerous as a result of flooding.
• Do not use the elevator or touch wet electrical equipment.
• Close all gas valves and disconnect the LPG cylinders from the gas lines.
• Close all possible valves on the oil heating system and try to prevent the flood from entering the oil tank. The oil tank may be lifted by the buoyancy of the flood water.
• Be prepared for a power outage, floodwaters can cause extensive and long-term power outages.
• Prevent floodwater from entering your house on your own.
• In an immediate emergency, call the emergency number 112 and state your location and ask for help. The emergency center will provide further instructions. In a major flood situation, the emergency center may be congested. In this case, contact the emergency center only if you need immediate assistance.

After a flood, you need to make sure that your home is safe to live in again by checking electrical appliances, oil tanks, heating systems, sewage treatment systems and the building's surroundings. Survey the damage and start drying if floodwater has soaked your home.

Insurance company

Contact your insurance company and confirm the terms and conditions related to damage assessment and drainage. Agree with the insurance company what you can do yourself. Take photos of your home before you start cleaning up flood damage. Record your own working hours. Through flood insurance, you can receive compensation for exceptional floods from waterways, seawater and heavy rainfall that damage buildings or movable property.

Living

If the house is uninhabitable, find out where you can live temporarily. Contact your local social welfare authorities if your insurance does not cover interruption of housing. Ensure that the drinking water is safe to drink. Well water mixed with surface water should not be drunk without boiling it before the water quality has been tested. Dispose of spoiled food properly. Consider using the crops and wild-collected products from flooded vegetable gardens. Check the condition of the sewage system and the tank level and arrange for emptying if necessary.

Hygiene

Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals and animal feces. When cleaning flood damage, wear protective gear and clean your hands with disinfectant if you come into contact with floodwater. Wash clothing that has been wet with floodwater separately at a temperature of at least 60 oC. Avoid being near flooded sewage systems.

Electricity

Do not turn on the electricity if the flood has wetted the building's fixed installations. Contact an electrical professional to check the condition of the installations or make arrangements with your insurance company. Do the same for wet household appliances.

Oil tank

If the flood has displaced the oil tank, contact an authorized oil tank installation company. If the oil tank has ruptured as a result of the flood and caused an oil spill, call the rescue service on 112.

Heating system

The heating system of a property that has been affected by flooding must be inspected by an HVAC professional. It is not advisable to turn on a flooded oil burner, gas line, wet circulation pump or other building technical equipment until an expert has assessed the situation.

Drying

Dry your house. Keep windows and doors open on dry days. Use fans and heaters if necessary to dry out the house. Drying can take weeks. Contact a professional for advice and drying assistance. Dry furniture, bedding, and clothing outdoors.

Crisis support

The aftermath of a flood can be depressing. Contact your loved ones or seek professional help so you don't have to face it alone. This is an accident for which you have the right to receive emotional support from society as well.

Use of natural waters (surface waters)

Avoid swimming and using natural waters for a few days after the flood has ended.

The areas on the flood map are marked where water levels could potentially rise to dangerous levels during a flood situation. 

Areas on flood maps are marked where water levels could potentially rise to dangerous levels during a flood situation.