Those who look after home safetyCompanies, housing companies and security professionals

Tutkat / Safety Radar
OpenFor businessFor youUpdated 6.10.2026

Get your safety in order before something happens.

In 2025 Finland had over 11 000 fires, in which 55 people died. The police recorded about 3 400 residential burglaries and 76 500 shoplifting offences, and in January–June 2026 shoplifting increased by a further 13,2 %. From the start of 2026, the housing company or other building owner is responsible for the smoke alarms in dwellings.

Safety Radarturvatutka.fi

Safety Radar brings together the most important safety figures, statutory obligations and reminders for home and business. You get a reminder when a smoke alarm needs testing or a card needs renewing.

For whom
  • Companies, housing companies and security professionals
  • Those who look after home safety
Safety Radar

Which risks apply to you specifically?

Choose a role and the radar shows six risk areas in order of importance. Open an area to see the latest figures, statutory obligations (31 in total, with sources), recommendations and calculators.

The closer to the centre, the more important the area is for your role. Tap an area.

Safety calculators

Smoke alarms, chimney sweeping, the need for a rescue plan, event deadlines, the 72 hours for a data breach, passwords, scam messages, risk assessment and a home reserve. Everything is calculated in your browser.

Figures: Statistics Finland (30.1.2026 and 27.8.2026), Pelastusopisto (Emergency Services College), Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom's National Cyber Security Centre, STUK. Legal references: Finlex, checked 10/2026. The role-specific weighting is Safety Radar's own estimate and does not replace an assessment by an authority or expert.

Situation now

Safety Radar in numbers

Fire deaths55Fire deaths in 2025; total fires 11,226 (Pelastusopisto)
Home burglaries3 400Home burglaries reported to the police in 2025, about 100 more than in 2024 (Statistics Finland 30.1.2026)
Frauds37 300Frauds reported to the police in 2025, −13.9% on the previous year (Statistics Finland 30.1.2026)
Radon reference level in homes300 Bq/m³Annual average, existing dwellings; 200 Bq/m³ in new construction (STUK)
Fires11 226In 2025 (Emergency Services College)
Criminal Code offences547 700Reported to the police, customs and border guard in 2025, +4.9% (Statistics Finland 30.1.2026)
Assaults January–June 202623 600+11,8 % a year (Statistics Finland 27.8.2026)
Shoplifting76 500In 2025, +21.4% from the previous year (Statistics Finland 30.1.2026)
Shoplifting January–June 202639 800+13,2 % a year; in Helsinki +25,3 % (Statistics Finland 27.8.2026)
National Cyber Security Centre casesapprox. 1 460/month12-month average; 1 012 cases in July 2026 (National Cyber Security Centre, Cyber Weather 7/2026)

Security sector cards and approvals

The police approve on application. All require a minimum age of 18 and honesty and reliability. The minimum scope of training is set in Ministry of the Interior decree 878/2016. A safety planner does not require police approval.

AcceptanceRequired trainingValidityNotice
Security guard (guard card)Basic security guard training, at least 120 lessons5 years, up to age 68Carrying a use-of-force instrument additionally requires annual refresher training on the use-of-force instrument (at least 8 lessons) or a firearms proficiency test
Temporary security guardTemporary security guard training, at least 40 lessonsAt most 4 months, one-offAge 18–67
Security steward (JV card)Basic training for security stewards, at least 40 teaching hours5 yearsRenewal requires refresher training (at least 8 lessons)
Safety supervisorNo prescribed training requirement5 yearsPersonal approval from the police

Source: Police: card applications; Finlex: Ministry of the Interior decree 878/2016

Basic rules of home safety

Mandatory requirements and authority recommendations for the home. The Ministry of the Interior's new smoke alarm decree (300/2025) entered into force on 1.1.2026.

SubjectClaimMandatory?Who is responsible
Smoke alarmAt least 1 for every started 60 m² of each floor or level of the dwelling, on the ceiling at least 0.5 m from the wallsYesBuilding owner (e.g. housing company) from 1.1.2026; the resident reports faults without delay
Testing the smoke alarmPress the test button 3–4 times a year and always after a longer absenceRecommendationResident
Carbon monoxide alarmFor rooms with a fireplace or a fuel-burning applianceNoRecommendation (SPEK)
Fire blanket and hand-held extinguisherEnough to take homeNoRecommendation (SPEK)
Radon, existing homeReference level 300 Bq/m³ (annual average)Measurement is voluntary at homeMunicipal health protection advises
Radon, new buildReference level 200 Bq/m³In planning and constructionBuilder
When to measure radonBetween 1.9. and 31.5., at least 2 months (preferably 3 months)––

Source: Finlex: Ministry of the Interior Decree on Smoke Alarms 300/2025; Government; SPEK; STUK

Company security obligations

Key statutory obligations. The sites that require a rescue plan are listed in the Government Decree on rescue services (407/2011); the table shows the most common.

ObligationWho it applies toWhat is requiredSupervisor
Rescue planE.g. residential buildings with at least 3 apartments; shops over 400 m²; restaurants with over 50 customer seats; accommodation businesses; schools and daycare centres; industrial, production and warehouse buildings over 1 500 m²A written plan on identifying and preventing hazards and on action in an accidentRescue service
Workplace radon measurementUnderground workplaces, workplaces on highly permeable ground, and ground-floor workplaces in areas designated by STUKMeasurement 1.9.–31.5.; reference value 300 Bq/m³ during working hoursSTUK
Cybersecurity Act (124/2025, NIS2)Operators in critical sectors, e.g. energy, transport, banks, healthcare, water supply, digital infrastructure and manufacturing; in force since 8.4.2025Registration in the register of operators, risk management, advance notification of significant incidents within 24 h and notification within 72 h, final report within a monthThe sector's authority (e.g. Traficom, the Energy Authority, the Financial Supervisory Authority)
Occupational safety (Occupational Safety and Health Act 738/2002)All employersIdentifying workplace hazards and assessing risks, and the necessary measuresLicensing and Supervisory Agency from 1.1.2026

Source: SPEK: Rescue plan guide for businesses; Traficom; STUK; Työmarkkinatori

Crime in Finland 2025–2026

Crimes reported to the police, customs and border guard. The 2026 figures are preliminary.

CrimeAmountChange from the previous yearPeriod
Total Criminal Code offences547 700+4,9 %2025
Total Criminal Code offences261 500−0,2 %January–June 2026
Theft offences147 900+12,9 %2025
Shoplifting76 500+21,4 %2025
Shoplifting39 800+13,2 %January–June 2026
Home burglaries3 400approx. +100 pcs2025
Frauds37 300−13,9 %2025
Frauds–−14,1 %January–June 2026
Assaults44 600+7,4 %2025
Assaults23 600+11,8 %January–June 2026
Homicides845 fewer2025

Source: Statistics Finland: Offences and coercive measures statistics 2025 (30.1.2026) and 2026, 2nd quarter (27.8.2026)

Ready-made tools

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Home safety checklist for travellers

Checklist for securing your home during a holiday or cottage trip, plus an info card for the neighbour.

  • 27 tasks in four stages before departure and after return
  • Readiness level: Done / Not applicable
  • Kotivahti printable information card
0 € · free accountDownload for free (Excel)
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Home safety check

Smoke alarms, electricity, locking, escape routes and the annual calendar.

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Coming soon

Deadlines and dates

Safety Radar reminds its subscribers of these by email.

  1. Clocks to winter time – test your smoke alarms

    Clocks go back an hour. A good rule of thumb: press the test button of every smoke alarm at the same time.

    Source
  2. Fire Safety Week begins

    National Fire Safety Week 30.11.–6.12.2026.

    Source
  3. Smoke Alarm Day

    A national day for checking smoke alarms.

    Source
  4. Safer Internet Day

    International Safer Internet Day.

    Source
  5. 112 Day

    A national themed day for the emergency number, held annually on 11.2.

    Source
  6. Clocks to summer time – test your smoke alarms

    Clocks go forward an hour. Test your smoke alarms at the same time.

    Source
  7. Radon measurement season ends

    Radon is measured between 1.9. and 31.5. and the measurement must last at least two months. Start measuring by the end of March at the latest.

    Source
Popular

Frequently asked questions: Safety Radar

Who is responsible for smoke alarms in a rented or owner-occupied home?

From the beginning of 2026, the building owner, for example a housing company or landlord, is responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and working. The resident's task is to notify the owner without delay of a fault in the alarm or a flat battery, and the alarm must not be removed.

How many smoke alarms does a home need?

At least one for every started 60 square metres of each floor or level of the dwelling. One is enough for a single-level dwelling under 60 m², and a dwelling of 80 m² needs two. The alarm is installed on the ceiling at least half a metre from the walls.

What is the radon limit value at home?

In existing homes, the reference value for radon concentration is 300 Bq/m³ as an annual average. New buildings must be designed and built so that the concentration remains below 200 Bq/m³. The measurement is taken between 1.9. and 31.5. for at least two months.

How do I get a job as a security guard or steward?

Complete the basic training for security guards (at least 120 lessons) or the basic training for order stewards (at least 40 lessons) and apply for approval from the police. The applicant must be at least 18 years old, honest and reliable. The approval is valid for five years. With the 40-lesson training for a temporary security guard you can obtain approval for a maximum of four months.

Does the Cybersecurity Act (NIS2) apply to my company?

The Act (124/2025) has been in force since 8.4.2025. It applies to companies and organisations operating in critical sectors, such as energy, transport, banks, healthcare, water supply, digital infrastructure and manufacturing. Those within its scope must register in the supervisor's register of operators for their sector, manage cyber risks and report significant incidents within 24 hours.

Does a business need a rescue plan?

The Rescue Act and the Government Decree on rescue services 407/2011 require a rescue plan in, among others, large commercial and assembly premises, accommodation and care institutions, schools, and many industrial and warehouse premises. A rescue plan is also required for public events with at least 200 people present at the same time. You can check the situation of your own premises with your region's rescue service.

How do I make sure a security company is reliable?

A security company must hold a business licence issued by the National Police Board, and security guards and door supervisors must have valid approvals (Private Security Services Act 1085/2015). Ask for the licence details with the quote, ask about insurance and references, and agree the content of the service and response times in writing.

How many home burglaries are committed in Finland each year?

In 2025 the police recorded about 3,400 home burglaries, about 100 more than in 2024 (Statistics Finland). Burglaries are prevented by locked doors and windows, lighting, and by making sure the home does not look empty while you are away.

Is crime increasing in Finland?

In 2025 authorities were informed of 547,700 Criminal Code offences, 4.9% more than in 2024. In January–June 2026 the total stayed almost unchanged (261,500, −0.2%), but assaults rose by 11.8% and shoplifting by 13.2%. Frauds fell by 14.1%.

How much has shoplifting increased?

76 500 shoplifting offences came to the police's attention in 2025, 21,4 % more than a year earlier. In January–June 2026 there were 39 800, 13,2 % more than a year earlier, and in Helsinki the increase was 25,3 % (Statistics Finland).

How much does a security guard earn?

The median total earnings of a full-time security guard were €2,858 and the average €3,010 per month in 2024. The statistics included 6,495 full-time guards (Statistics Finland, wage structure). Working as a guard requires police approval and at least 120 lessons of basic training.

Is the law on private security services about to change?

A government proposal on the administrative prevention of organised crime (VN/6617/2025) is in preparation, which would also amend the Private Security Services Act (1085/2015). The consultation round was in summer 2026, and no decision on entry into force has yet been made. The current act requires a security company to hold a business licence from the National Police Board.

Tips

How to use the information

  1. Press the smoke alarm's test button 3–4 times a year, for example whenever the clocks are changed. If the alarm does not work, notify the housing company or landlord immediately.
  2. Calculate the number of smoke alarms: at least one for every started 60 square metres on each floor. For example, an 80 m² single-storey home needs two.
  3. If you have a fireplace, wood-burning sauna stove or other fireplace at home, get a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room. Keep a fire blanket in the kitchen.
  4. If you paid a scammer or gave out your online banking credentials, call your bank immediately, file a police report and notify the National Cyber Security Centre Finland.
  5. Measure radon during the heating season between September and May for at least two months. Only a measurement reveals the radon concentration in your home.
  6. Check with the rescue service whether your operations require a rescue plan. It is mandatory, for example, in large commercial and assembly premises, accommodation and care facilities, and many production premises (Rescue Decree 407/2011).
  7. When you buy security guarding or crowd control services, make sure the company holds a business licence granted by the National Police Board and that the guards hold valid cards (Act on Private Security Services 1085/2015).
  8. Practise with staff at least once a year: escape routes, assembly point, initial firefighting and an emergency call to 112. Even a short drill speeds up action in a real situation.
  9. Shoplifting rose by 21,4 % in 2025. Check the shop's camera surveillance, visibility of the checkout area and the staff's instructions, and use a licensed security company at busy times if needed.
  10. Warn holiday substitutes about CEO fraud: according to the National Cyber Security Centre, scammers targeted substitutes in particular in July 2026. Always verify payment requests through a second channel.
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Sources (23)

The information has been compiled from public sources on 6.10.2026. Always check the current terms from the original source. The information is not investment, loan or legal advice.