Finnish electronics stores have seen an increase in sales of battery-powered radios in recent weeks, which suggests that some residents are preparing for the possibility of a future emergency.
Sodankylä’s electronics chain Veikon Kone’s sales of portable radios began to rise soon after Russia’s deadly invasion of Ukraine, according to the store’s retailer Jukka Haavisto.
"Radio sales rose to a whole new level than they were," he explained and added that battery-powered radios were products that were mostly sold in the summer.
"It’s a surprise to everyone and there are already problems with availability," Haavisto said.
Sales of portable radios have doubled in the electronics retail chain Gigant, says the dealer’s sales manager. Sami Kinnunenwhich found that last week’s sales were about three times higher than last year.
"We sell all kinds of radios, but the most popular are battery-powered. It can be said that the change is significant, but we are not talking about sales of thousands, but of hundreds," Kinnunen explained and pointed out that some of the models have been sold out.
The sales of the electronics store’s Verkkokauppa.com radios have clearly increased every week, says the company’s commercial director. Vesa Järveläinen.
He said the most popular radios were basic FM models priced at around € 20.
"Currently, we often sell about a hundred radios a week, while before the rise the figure was a few dozen." Järveläinen said.
According to Haavisto and Järveläinen, other electronic products useful in emergencies, such as backup power bricks and more efficient backup power systems, have also increased sales.
Goods such as camping equipment, tents, inexpensive water treatment equipment and flashlights have also been popular, says Järveläinen. He noted that wholesalers have run out of some goods.
72 hours of preparation
Mikko JääskeläinenThe chief officer of the Ministry of the Interior’s rescue service said he was glad to see that Finns know how to prepare for crisis situations.
He especially praised those who had battery radios, as the equipment is included in the plant’s 72-hour standby recommendations. Those instructions (also available in English) we recommend that people have items such as food, water, candles and other necessities.
The Finnish authorities have several ways of informing residents about emergencies, including outdoor sirens, radio, TV, etc. emergency services mobile application (112), Yle’s mobile news application Uutisvahti and Yle’s various online and teletext services.
Jääskeläinen said that the battery radio was a good idea.
"For example, emergency messages are sent on the radio. It is still one of the main alarm channels, although they can also be sent to mobile phones. It is also easy to share more information and instructions on the radio," he said and added that it is an even better idea to keep extra batteries on hand.
Source: The Nordic Page