HUP district preparedness exercise, 6–7 November 2026

The exercise focuses on the Red Cross's humanitarian mission, supporting the population, and cooperation between the district and its branches.

Why do we practise?

The Red Cross's most important task is to prevent and alleviate human suffering. This means protecting life, health and human dignity. At the same time, we promote understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace between people. To be able to fulfil this mission also in sudden emergencies, we need to practise and develop our operating models together.

Who will participate on 6–7 November?

We hope that as many volunteers as possible will take part in the district preparedness exercise. It is important that volunteers from different activities understand the role of the Red Cross and recognise how they themselves could contribute when assistance is needed. New volunteers are also warmly welcome.

Webinar, 6 November

The educational webinar on Friday, 6 November, is open to everyone. We encourage all volunteers to join, regardless of which area of Red Cross activities they know best. The Red Cross is a disaster preparedness organisation and a global humanitarian network in which every volunteer has an important role to play.

The webinar will cover:

• International humanitarian law and the role of the Red Cross in situations of armed conflict
• Red Cross operations during emergency conditions
• Safe operating practices in challenging environments

The webinar will be held in a hybrid format from 5 to 7.30 pm. You can participate via Teams or attend in person at the district office. The webinar will be held in Finnish, but you are welcome to ask questions and comment in English. Please register in Oma by 5 November.

Exercise, 7 November

On the second day of the preparedness exercise, Saturday, 7 November, practical tabletop exercises will be organised in five regions:

• Helsinki Kannelmäki and Helsinki Pitäjänmäki
• Vantaa-Kerava (FRC Youth Shelter in Rekola)
• Eastern Uusimaa (Porvoo)
• Western Uusimaa Espoo and Lohja
• Central Uusimaa (Nurmijärvi)

Registration for the tabletop exercises will follow the instructions provided by the regional organisers. Please note: Information about the exercise content, exercise scenario and materials must not be shared outside the exercise.

For more information, contact your branch's preparedness contact person or the district preparedness manager.

Further information about the webinar and the exercise: