Construction Counsellor Pekka Rajajärvi recently led a civil defense training session at JTK Power. Rajajärvi has spent his career at the Ministry of the Interior, working with civil defense construction, technical requirements, and consulting. He retired in 2016 but continues as a consultant and trainer in civil defense.

Civil Defense Shelters as Part of Comprehensive National Defense

JTK Power aimed to enhance its employees' knowledge of civil defense shelters with this training, particularly as the launch of a new ventilation unit now positions JTK Power as a full civil defense shelter provider.

JTK Power offers a complete shelter package, including doors, hatches, pass-throughs, and ventilation units. A partner assembles the concrete element shelters, which are delivered as a ready-made package to the customer. The training gave employees a deeper understanding of civil defense shelters.

“Civil defense shelters are a crucial part of comprehensive national defense. When staff understand the purpose of the products, their work becomes more meaningful. This knowledge also improves product quality and customer service,” Rajajärvi explains.

According to Rajajärvi, JTK Power’s expertise is top-notch.

“JTK Power has been involved in civil defense since the 1970s. I believe they have solid expertise in various manufacturing methods and a strong grasp of product quality requirements.”

One Million Shelters in Finland in Need of Renovation

The civil defense organization was established in 1927. At that time, gas masks and training were developed to protect civilians from increasingly dangerous chemical warfare agents. In 1935, the first civil defense shelters were created in the basements of existing buildings, and the first legislation on civil defense shelters came into force on 15 November 1939, just two weeks before the outbreak of war.

Currently, Finland has civil defense shelters for 4.3 million people, with around one million requiring renovation.

According to Rajajärvi, JTK Power’s ventilation unit is well-suited to renovated shelters.

“Now is the time to update shelters built between 1959 and 1971, which have sand filters. JTK Power’s ventilation unit is a suitable alternative to replace the sand filter. There is also a strong demand in Sweden to update old shelters. Additionally, there is talk of building new shelters there, meaning that our neighboring country also has a market for these products,” Rajajärvi notes.

Finland Aims to Protect the Entire Population

According to Rajajärvi, Finland’s civil defense shelters are world-class. Civil defense is even an export product, with Finland exporting around €20 million worth of civil defense expertise and products abroad each year.

There has been intense debate at times about the need for civil defense shelters. However, Rajajärvi believes it would be unwise to dismantle a functioning system. If cost savings are sought, shelter construction can be simplified.

“Many countries protect only their leaders, but Finland has chosen to ensure the safety of its entire population. Shelters also send a signal abroad that Finland is well-protected. I support the idea of prefabricating element shelters in factories and transporting them to the site. This approach saves money and speeds up construction,” Rajajärvi concludes.