Boden’s first safety points inaugurated
In the event of a major crisis or societal disruption, the municipality’s service points can be converted into safety points. Here, residents can receive information and basic support when normal societal functions are affected.
The service points in Unbyn/Avan, Gunnarsbyn and Harads can now be activated as safety points for residents in the area. The safety points are part of the Municipality of Boden’s work to strengthen emergency preparedness during major societal disruptions, where the need for information, coordination and support is particularly high. As Unbyn/Avan is located close to the municipal border, the work there has been carried out in cooperation with the Municipality of Luleå. The work will now continue with the development of additional safety points in other parts of the municipality.
"In a municipality with Boden’s large geographical area, safety and emergency preparedness need to be close to people. By building on existing service points, we can create safety points that function both in everyday life and when society is put under strain. In this way, we strengthen both local preparedness and community cohesion", says Beatrice Öman, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board.
Safety is built locally – together
In connection with the inaugurations, a first annual dialogue on safety and security in rural areas was also held. The focus was on how the municipality and local communities can work together to strengthen safety and follow up on emergency preparedness efforts over time. Several key societal actors with responsibilities for safety and security participated, including the police, rescue services and schools, together with the municipality and local stakeholders.
Disa Kristinsdottir, the municipality’s emergency preparedness coordinator, emphasises the importance of collaboration:
"Safety points are not just physical locations, but a form of cooperation. It is about harnessing local engagement and creating the conditions for support when it is truly needed".
A first step in a long-term effort
At present, the safety points can provide basic support for a limited period of time. The ambition is for them to be further developed over time, with expanded functions and increased resilience, based on local needs and conditions.
What can a safety point offer today?
In the event of a major crisis or societal disruption, the municipality’s service points can be converted into safety points. At present, they can provide basic support for a limited period of time, primarily during daytime hours.
This may include, for example:
- information about the current situation
- the possibility to stay indoors in a warm environment
- charging mobile phones
- light refreshments
The safety points represent an important step in the municipality’s emergency preparedness work. The ambition is for the safety points to be further developed over time, with additional functions and longer availability, based on local needs and conditions.
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Text by: Camilla Arvidsson
Photo by: Camilla Arvidsson
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