<p>In everyday life, few of us think about what would happen if the electricity or water suddenly went out. Yet authorities and organizations recommend that every household prepare to survive on their own for at least 72 hours. This is called a home emergency.</p><p>A prolonged power outage or disruption in water distribution can quickly affect many everyday essentials: cooking, heating, lighting, access to information, and hygiene. That’s why it’s important to have basic supplies at home for at least three days.</p><h2>What is a home emergency supply (“kotivara”)?</h2><p>A home emergency supply refers to the items you already have at home that help you manage without electricity, water, or trips to the store. It is not a separate storage room or a crisis kit, but can consist of ordinary everyday products you use anyway.</p><p>The most important thing is to ensure that there is enough food, water, and essential items to last three days for everyone living in the household, including pets.</p><h2>What should be included in a home emergency supply?</h2><p>A good rule of thumb is to store items that can be used without electricity and that remain usable at room temperature.</p><h3>Food:</h3><ul><li>Canned foods such as soups, beans, or fish</li><li>Crispbread, biscuits, or other dry goods</li><li>Nuts, protein bars, or dried fruit</li><li>Baby food or special diet products as needed</li></ul><h3>Water:</h3><ul><li>Drinking water: at least 2 liters per person per day</li><li>For three days, this means about 6 liters per person</li><li>Store water in clean canisters or bottles</li></ul><h3>Water shelf life:</h3><p>Tap water stored in a clean, sealed container will keep for several months in a cool, dark place. It should be stored in food-grade containers or clean, tightly sealed bottles. It is recommended to wash the containers thoroughly before filling them.</p><p>Water should be replaced every 6–12 months to maintain good taste and quality. Mark the container with the filling date.</p><p>If water quality is uncertain during a crisis, it can be boiled for at least 5 minutes before use.</p><h3>Other essential supplies:</h3><ul><li>Battery-powered or rechargeable flashlight</li><li>Batteries or a power bank</li><li>Hand sanitizer and wet wipes</li><li>First aid supplies</li><li>Regularly used medications</li><li>Warm clothing and blankets</li></ul><h2>How to prepare for a power outage</h2><p>A power outage quickly affects daily life. Lights go out, the refrigerator and freezer stop working, and electrical devices cannot be used.</p><p>To prepare for a power outage:</p><ul><li>Keep a flashlight easily accessible</li><li>Charge phones and power banks in advance</li><li>Avoid unnecessary opening of the refrigerator and freezer</li><li>Have warm clothing and blankets ready for a cooling home</li></ul><p>If the outage is prolonged, your home may cool down quickly, especially in winter. In that case, focus on keeping one room warm and dress in layers.</p><h2>How to prepare for a water outage</h2><p>During a water outage, drinking water is not available from the tap. That’s why drinking water is one of the most important parts of the home emergency supply.</p><p>To prepare:</p><ul><li>Store enough drinking water at home</li><li>Fill clean containers with water in advance if you are notified of an upcoming outage</li><li>Maintain hand hygiene with hand sanitizer or wet wipes</li></ul><h2>Home emergency supplies bring security to everyday life</h2><p>Households’ independent preparedness helps authorities and, above all, increases personal safety. When the basics are ready at home, unexpected situations cause less worry.</p><p>It’s a good idea to check your home emergency supplies a few times a year: use the products normally and replace them with new ones. This ensures that the supplies are always usable.</p><p>With a bit of preparation, you can ensure that you can manage calmly at home even during water or power outages.</p>

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How to prepare for power outages?

<p>“<i>The most rewarding part of being in the resident network is the opportunity to develop collaboration between residents and YH Homes, and to influence matters that concern right-of-occupancy residents</i>,” says Juuso, a member of the resident network.</p><h2>What is the resident network?</h2><p>The resident network consists of the chairpersons of resident committees, who are elected during a chairperson meeting. The network’s term lasts three years, and meetings are convened by the network’s chairperson at least once a year.</p><p>However, the network is not just a formal meeting body—it has real influence on the everyday life and future of the right-of-occupancy community. Its role is to address housing-related matters at the community level and ensure that all housing units are treated fairly.</p><p><i>“The resident network can influence both general policies affecting all residents and issues raised through individual resident feedback,”</i> Juuso explains.</p><p>The network’s mission is not only to solve today’s challenges but also to ensure that the future of the right-of-occupancy community is built in a sustainable and resident-oriented way. In long-term planning, renovation projects, and development initiatives, the voice of the resident network is especially important.</p><p>When residents participate in decision-making, it leads to better living conditions, stronger community spirit, and smoother everyday life. Together, we can ensure that right-of-occupancy housing evolves in the right direction—from the residents’ perspective and for their benefit.</p><h3>How can the resident network make a difference?</h3><p>Residents know best what works in their living environment and what could be improved. That’s why their insights are valuable to YH Homes.</p><p>The resident network strengthens community and trust by giving residents a genuine opportunity to influence decisions. When resident experiences are considered in decision-making, the outcomes are fairer and more functional.</p><p>At the same time, the network acts as a kind of “bridge,” conveying information and feedback in both directions—between residents and YH Homes.</p><p>Although not all discussions can be made public due to confidentiality, the resident network has already achieved a lot. For example, communication has improved through the introduction of a shared email address for network members. Chairpersons have also been approached with surveys to gather resident views to support decision-making. The network has brought resident concerns to YH Homes regarding apartment temperatures and the performance of maintenance companies.</p><p><i>“Involving residents increases community spirit and interest in housing-related matters. Often, residents are the only real source of feedback on everyday living conditions,”</i> Juuso emphasizes.</p><h3>Rights of the resident network</h3><p>The resident network plays a significant role in decision-making within the right-of-occupancy community. Its responsibilities range from financial planning to practical housing matters. The network has the right to:</p><ul><li>participate in the preparation of budget proposals, maintenance charges, and repair measures, and provide statements on them</li><li>contribute to long-term repair and financing plans</li><li>make proposals regarding maintenance systems, property management, and maintenance services</li><li>take part in planning related to property upkeep, renovations, and improvements</li><li>be involved in preparing procurement principles and monitoring tenders</li><li>follow the planning and implementation of new housing developments</li><li>participate in negotiations regarding the transfer, demolition, or deregulation of right-of-occupancy buildings</li><li>decide on rules of conduct and principles for the use and rental of shared spaces</li><li>elect resident representatives to national bodies and to oversee financial and administrative management</li></ul><p>In addition, the network can make proposals and statements on other resident governance matters and act as a channel for resident suggestions.</p><h3>How can I get involved?</h3><p>The resident network is still young, and its development continues. Members hope that as many residents as possible will reach out and join the conversation.</p><p><i>“The resident network encourages dialogue, contact, and new active members. Even small contributions can make a big difference for the whole community,</i><strong>”</strong> Juuso encourages.</p><p>If you have questions, feedback, or ideas related to housing, you can contact the network by email:<br><a href="mailto:asukasverkosto@asukas.yhkodit.fi">asukasverkosto@asukas.yhkodit.fi</a></p>

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The resident network advocates for the interests of right-of-occupancy housing customers

<h2>How Can You Influence Shared Costs and Rent?</h2><p>In many rental and right-of-occupancy properties, expenses such as heating, waste management, and the use of common areas are shared among residents. If the total property costs are kept under control, it can mean more moderate rent increases or lower maintenance fees.</p><h3><strong>Heating</strong></h3><p>Heating is usually included in the rent or maintenance fee, and residents cannot adjust the base temperature themselves. Still, you can prevent heat loss by keeping windows and doors properly closed and using curtains or rugs as insulation. If your apartment has radiators, avoid keeping them on full unnecessarily.</p><h3><strong>Waste Management and Recycling</strong></h3><p>Mixed waste is the most expensive. Recycle glass, metal, cardboard, and biowaste, which are often cheaper or free for the housing company. Avoid leaving large items in the waste area without prior agreement. Extra pickups increase costs for everyone. Think about how you can reduce waste already when making purchases: less packaging = less mixed waste.</p><h3><strong>Common Areas and Maintenance</strong></h3><p>Use the laundry room and sauna during your reserved times and clean up after yourself. Extra cleaning costs often affect all residents. Report small faults early to avoid unnecessary maintenance expenses. You can also do minor repairs yourself, like oiling hinges or tightening screws.</p><h2><strong>How to Save Directly from Your Own Wallet</strong></h2><p>Many housing-related costs come directly out of your pocket, whether you pay rent or a maintenance fee. These are areas where your choices make a difference.</p><h3><strong>Electricity</strong></h3><ul><li>Switch to LED bulbs—they use only a fraction of the electricity compared to incandescent ones.</li><li>Turn off lights and devices when not in use. A power strip with a switch is an easy way to avoid standby power consumption.</li><li>Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full, and avoid using a dryer if air-drying is possible.</li></ul><h3><strong>Water</strong></h3><ul><li>Shorten shower time: a five-minute shower saves liters of water compared to a fifteen-minute one.</li><li>Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or doing dishes.</li></ul><h3><strong>Contracts and Insurance</strong></h3><ul><li>Compare electricity contracts: prices vary greatly depending on consumption habits and market conditions.</li><li>Check your home insurance price. Insurance companies often offer discounts if you have multiple policies with them.</li></ul><h3><strong>Utilize Support</strong></h3><ul><li>Check your eligibility for Kela’s general housing allowance—many students and low-income earners qualify.</li></ul><p>Small everyday actions can lead to surprisingly large savings over time. By regularly reviewing your housing costs and turning changes into habits, savings will start to accumulate almost unnoticed. And you'll have more money left for other aspects of life.</p>

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How to save on housing costs

<p>The correct place for large items is a recycling center or waste station. If you can't transport them yourself, many recycling services offer pickup at a reasonable price — some charities even do it for free. Additionally, YH Kotien residents in Tampere have access to a shared van that can be used for transporting large items.</p><p><strong>Why is it important to pay attention to waste sorting?</strong></p><p>Waste sorting should be part of everyday routines. Even small sorting mistakes can have surprisingly large consequences. When waste ends up in the wrong bin, recyclable materials are lost and processing costs increase.</p><p><strong>Three key reasons to sort waste properly:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Environmental reasons</strong><br>Sorting is one of the most effective everyday actions for the environment. When waste is processed correctly, materials can be recycled and reused. This reduces the need for new raw materials and lowers the environmental impact of production.</li></ol><p>Incorrectly sorted waste, on the other hand, undermines the entire system. A single plastic bag in biowaste or a dirty plastic package in plastic recycling can prevent an entire batch from being reused.</p><ol><li><strong>Economic reasons</strong><br>Effective sorting reduces mixed waste, which is the most expensive type of waste. Less mixed waste means fewer bin emptyings. This directly affects waste management costs: fewer trucks, fewer visits, lower expenses.</li></ol><p>These small savings reduce the overall costs for the housing company and can help curb rent or maintenance fee increases.</p><ol><li><strong>Legislation</strong><br>Finland’s new Waste Act came into effect in 2021. The changes are based on EU recycling targets. The law aims to raise the recycling rate of municipal waste to 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035.</li></ol><p>For housing companies, this means that separate collection of biowaste and packaging waste is mandatory once certain resident thresholds are exceeded. It’s no longer voluntary — it’s a legal responsibility.</p>

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Can you dispose of an old sofa in the waste shelter?

<p>On this page, you’ll find up-to-date information about applying for an apartment, as well as useful details about rental housing and right-of-occupancy (ASO) housing.</p>

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Current topics

How to prepare for power outages?

The resident network advocates for the interests of right-of-occupancy housing customers

How to save on housing costs

Can you dispose of an old sofa in the waste shelter?