The supplies include a selection of essential items that can help local community members manage independently during certain types of crises for a limited period of time.

The selection of supplies was based on potential crisis scenarios that may occur in an urban environment and focused on items that would be most helpful if basic services—such as water, electricity, or food supply—were temporarily disrupted. The list was coordinated with the Estonian Rescue Board and the Tallinn Municipal Police Department.These community supplies are not intended to support the entire district of 27 000 people over an extended period, but rather to assist those who may be among the first in need or who require help before official support channels become available.

The handover of the emergency supplies is part of a broader collaboration aimed at improving local and community-level preparedness for crises. A coordinated approach enables faster and more effective response when a crisis arises. The creation of the community emergency stockpile was supported by the Väike-Õismäe Community Civil Protection Project, funded by the National Foundation of Civil Society with the support of the Ministry of the Interior.

🟧🟦 The activities of the K-24 project will be carried out by the Crisis Research Centre, and the implementation of the project activities is supported by the Civil Society Foundation through the Ministry of the Interior.

Photo: Haabersti district government announcement amplified in local newspaper (Crisis Research Centre, 2025).

The training brought together participants of different ages who wanted to develop their skills for unexpected situations—such as power outages, water shortages, or the need to evacuate their homes quickly. The urban environment poses specific challenges during crises, and participants had the chance to become familiar with them through hands-on experience.

Practical activities: fire, food, and the emergency bag

Participants learned how to start a fire using a firestarter—an entirely new experience for many. The exercises showed that seemingly simple tasks, like lighting a fire without matches or a lighter, actually require time and skill.

They also prepared food outdoors using emergency dry food packs, which can be essential in situations where regular cooking is not possible. Participants were introduced to how these packs work, how to evaluate their shelf life and nutritional value, and what kind of supplies are needed for longer-term self-reliance.

The third key topic was the content of an emergency evacuation bag. The group discussed which items are essential—ranging from first aid supplies and documents to personal medications, hygiene products, and food. Special attention was given to how to adapt the bag according to family composition and individual needs.

Instructors provided practical knowledge and confidence

The training was led by a representative of the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organization (Naiskodukaitse) and Hannes Nagel from the Crisis Research Centre, experienced in both emergency preparedness education and teaching practical survival skills. Participants received both a theoretical overview and the chance to try out actions that could be critical in a real crisis.

The focus was on practical learning—participants gained knowledge through doing and experiencing, which they can also apply in preparing at home. Many noted that hands-on practice gave them more confidence than just listening to information.

Survival training as part of a broader community project

This training was the final event in the Väike-Õismäe survival training series, organized by the Crisis Research Centre in cooperation with Naiskodukaitse. The project aimed to increase the local community’s awareness and preparedness for crises, offering participants practical instruction while also strengthening mutual trust and cooperation.

According to the organizers, the project showed that city residents are increasingly interested in acquiring the skills needed for self-reliance. Enhancing community resilience through awareness and skill-building is an important step toward a safer and more functional society.

🟧🟦 The activities of the K-24 project will be carried out by the Crisis Research Centre, and the implementation of the project activities is supported by the Civil Society Foundation through the Ministry of the Interior.

Photo: fifth group’s urban survival training in Väike-Õismäe (Crisis research Centre, 2025).

The Crisis Research Center’s first aid training as part of its community crisis skills program is not your typical “bandage rolling” or “theoretical lecture.” It’s a practical and honest look at first aid that doesn’t focus on what to do in ideal conditions. Unfortunately, crises and perfect scenarios do not go together. That is why we concentrate on what to do when time is short, resources are scarce, and stress is high. The trainer is paramedic Andrus Lehtmets, who has a clear and straightforward teaching style that leaves no one unimpressed.

“A person does not need a perfect bandage; they need someone who is willing to act. During the training, participants learn how to think and act in situations where there is no time to Google instructions,” said Hannes Nagel, head of the Crisis Research Centre.

In a crisis, there’s no time to hesitate—you need to act

The training focuses on practical techniques, such as how to assist a traffic accident victim, what to do if someone’s heart stops, or what to do if all communication fails and help does not arrive. Every participant is expected to have hands-on experience by the end of the day, as we practice resuscitation, assisted breathing, stopping heavy bleeding, dealing with trauma, and other skills. The examples and simulations are both realistic and challenging. And, of course, myths are debunked. For example, did you know that a heart cannot be “restarted” with a punch, as depicted in American movies?

Saturday’s training sessions include first aid (trained by paramedic Andrus Lehtmets) and urban survival (trained by Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation instructors), which will take place in Väike-Õismäe. In addition, there will also be online training – instructors from the Municipal Police Authority will teach you how to draw up a crisis plan, and the Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisation online training will share smart evacuation knowledge.

“For the first time, Haabersti residents will be able to improve their crisis skills in their own town, with training provided by top specialists in the field. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity, as participation is free,” said Hannes Nagel, Head of the Crisis Research Centre. “Our goal is to improve district residents’ preparedness for crisis situations. “If everyone has a broader range of knowledge and skills, we will be better able to deal with unexpected situations and support our families, friends, and the larger community,” he said.

Between February and May, 25 training sessions on various topics will be held, providing crisis skills to over 400 Haabersti residents. There are still spots available; to register for the training or join the waiting list, go to www.kruk.ee/en/oismae-en. 

🟧🟦 The activities of the K-24 project will be carried out by the Crisis Research Centre, and the implementation of the project activities is supported by the Civil Society Foundation through the Ministry of the Interior.

Photo: The Crisis Skills Training Programme is advertised on monthly bases in the Haabersti district newspaper (Kriisiuuringute Keskus, 2025).

The training, which began on April 5 at 11 a.m., was held in the Järveotsa settlement of Väike-Õismäe community garden under the guidance of Women’s Voluntary Defense Organization instructors and focused on practical training. Despite the cold weather, community members gathered to receive training in realistic conditions similar to those found in Ukrainian urban areas, where vital services are disrupted and fragile.

Participants were taught practical basic survival skills necessary to deal with a serious crisis in an urban setting. The training focused on the three most important aspects of survival: water, food, and warmth. In addition, the principles of crisis planning and evacuation codes of conduct were reviewed.

The weather conditions made the training more realistic, giving participants a better understanding of the actual challenges faced in a crisis. The experience gained allowed the participants to understand how to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills in real life, including in difficult and unpredictable situations.

The training program provided participants in the five training groups with comprehensive knowledge and skills on how to provide initial support to people with emotional and mental difficulties in a crisis situation, with a particular emphasis on how to respond to acute (e.g., war-time) crisis situations in shelters.

Participants learned how to recognise mental health concerns, share relevant information, and use self-help techniques to protect their own and others’ well-being, which is becoming increasingly important in terms of community resilience in the context of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict. The training sessions included a variety of practical exercises to help them improve their listening-marking-assisting abilities.

The training focused on how every family can be better prepared for unexpected situations, with a particular emphasis on coping with the disruption of essential services such as electricity, water, and heating. Special attention was given to the panel building environment, as Väike-Õismäe is largely made up of 5- and 9-storey apartment buildings that must continue functioning even during crises.

Several important topics were addressed during the evening, including:

• How to create a family crisis plan that takes into account the needs all members of the family;
• What essential supplies should be available at home for managing without help for seven days;
• How to keep the oneself informed during a crisis, and which channels to use for receiving reliable information;
• What should be discussed at the co-operative housing association level?

Registration is now open for the upcoming crisis planning training sessions.

• 27.03 on-site training at Haabersti Action Centre (18.00-19.00): registration link
• 10.04 online training (18.00-19.00): registration link
• 17.04 online training (18.00-19.00): registration link

Looking at your smartphone every morning and being hit by yet another wave of negative events can make you feel hopeless and powerless. In reality, there are ways to maintain mental equilibrium while bracing for the unexpected. One of the most important steps is to read the news consciously. There is no need to constantly consume information and absorb every negative event that occurs in the world.

Setting aside specific times to watch the news promotes mental balance and reduces feelings of constant worry and anxiety. It’s also important to be sceptical of information sources; dramatic headlines based on clicks aren’t always the most accurate reflection of reality. Misinformation and panic on social media can only exacerbate the situation, so it’s important to focus on credible and balanced news sources.

In the midst of the bad news, it may appear that there is only bad news in the world, but there is a lot of good news that simply does not make the headlines. Recognising and sharing positive stories helps to balance our perspective and reminds us that there is still much good in the world. Community initiatives, scientific and technological advances, and small acts of human kindness that bring positive change to society all serve as sources of inspiration.