Preparing for Crisis and War : Lessons from Sweden

November 19, 2024

Preparing for Crisis and War: Lessons from Sweden and Neighboring Nations

Key Takeaways

Sweden has updated and distributed its civil preparedness brochure, reflecting growing concerns about global security.
Neighboring countries like Norway, Finland, and Denmark are also bolstering public preparedness.
Key advice includes storing essential supplies, developing resilience strategies, and understanding governmental response during crises.
Practical checklists and resources aim to empower citizens to manage independently in emergencies.

Summary

Sweden: Released the latest version of “In Case of Crisis or War,” distributing it to 5.2 million households.
- New focus areas: evacuation, first aid, mental health, pet preparedness, and communicating with children.
Norway: Sent out a similar guide in 2018 and updated it to include climate-related risks.
- Advice includes food, medicines, and iodine tablets.
Finland: Published an online-only guide to save costs, emphasizing readiness for extreme cold and power outages.
Denmark: Advised residents to stock supplies for three days via email.
Universal themes:
- Importance of long-term food and water storage.
- Handling medical emergencies, such as severe bleeding.
- Mental preparedness for crises and potential war.

Introduction

Crisis preparedness has become a priority for many nations, particularly in light of heightened global tensions and unpredictable disasters. Sweden’s “In Case of Crisis or War” brochure, recently distributed to every household, underscores this growing need. This move aligns with similar efforts by Nordic neighbors, all aiming to strengthen civilian resilience in the face of emergencies.

In this article, we explore Sweden’s approach alongside strategies adopted by Norway, Finland, and Denmark. We analyze the advice provided, the rationale behind it, and its relevance to the modern global security context.

Sweden: A Comprehensive Preparedness Effort

History of Civil Preparedness

Sweden has a long history of civil preparedness, dating back to World War II. Previous versions of its emergency pamphlet, titled “If War Comes,” were rooted in Cold War anxieties. The 2024 update builds on this legacy, reflecting the country’s evolving security needs, including its recent NATO membership.

“If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up. All information to the effect that resistance is to cease is false.”
— Excerpt from Sweden’s preparedness brochure.

Key Updates in the 2024 Version

1. Expanded Topics

The new brochure includes:

Evacuation protocols: Detailed steps for leaving safely during emergencies.
Bleeding control: First-aid techniques to save lives in critical moments.
Mental health support: Strategies to cope with anxiety during crises.
Child communication: Age-appropriate ways to explain emergencies.
Pet preparedness: Ensuring pets are accounted for in emergency plans.

2. Practical Checklists

Swedes are encouraged to store:

Long-lasting food (e.g., canned goods, dried soups).
Drinking water for at least 72 hours.
Medical supplies, including personal medications.

Accessibility Efforts

To ensure inclusivity:

Digital versions are available in multiple languages.
Physical brochures can be ordered in English, Braille, and sign language formats.
Audio and video guides complement the printed materials.

Comparing Nordic Approaches

Norway: A Proactive Stance

In 2018, Norway launched a similar initiative through the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB). Like Sweden, Norway emphasizes personal preparedness, recommending citizens stock:

Food and water: Enough for seven days.
Iodine tablets: For nuclear-related emergencies.
Energy supplies: Batteries and backup power options.

Norwegian authorities highlight how climate change has heightened risks of natural disasters, such as landslides and floods.

“Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Preparedness must adapt to these changing realities.”
— Tore Kamfjord, Directorate for Civil Protection.

Finland: Digital First

Finland opted for a cost-effective, digital-only approach. While this limits physical accessibility, it allows for real-time updates. Key advice includes:

Surviving power outages: Tips for enduring freezing temperatures during winter.
Family resilience: Coordinating plans for large households.
Critical supplies:
- Easy-to-prepare meals.
- Winter gear for extreme cold.
- Emergency power tools.

Denmark: Minimalist Guidelines

Denmark’s Emergency Management Agency provides concise advice via email:

Essentials for three days:
- Water, non-perishable food, and medicines.
- Emergency kits with flashlights and portable chargers.

This minimalist approach focuses on immediate survival needs rather than broader scenarios.

Lessons for Other Countries

1. The Importance of Readiness

Crisis preparedness ensures individuals can:

Respond effectively to emergencies.
Reduce reliance on overburdened services.
Protect their families and communities.

2. Tailored Communication

The Nordic examples show the value of:

Localized advice: Addressing specific regional risks (e.g., nuclear threats in Sweden, extreme cold in Finland).
Inclusivity: Providing resources in multiple languages and formats.

3. Governmental Responsibility

Authorities play a crucial role in:

Educating citizens.
Ensuring resource availability.
Building trust in national defense systems.

Practical Tips for Crisis Preparedness

Building a Resilience Kit

Item	Purpose
Long-life foods	Nutrition during extended crises.
Water (1 gallon/person)	Hydration for 3-7 days.
Flashlights + batteries	Light in case of power outages.
First-aid kit	Handling minor injuries.
Iodine tablets	Protection against nuclear exposure.

Checklist for Families

Category	Items to Consider
Communication	Emergency contacts, radio, whistle for signals.
Pets	Pet food, leash, carrier, vaccination records.
Mental health	Stress relief items (books, games, etc.).
Evacuation	Maps, cash, important documents in waterproof cases.

Moving Forward

As global threats become more complex, Sweden’s initiative serves as a model for comprehensive civil preparedness. Other nations can learn from its proactive approach, emphasizing both practicality and inclusivity.

Preparedness is not about fostering fear but about empowering individuals to face crises with confidence. Whether through brochures, digital guides, or public campaigns, ensuring readiness is a collective responsibility.

Conclusion

The distribution of “In Case of Crisis or War” marks a critical step in Sweden’s efforts to safeguard its population. By embracing similar strategies, countries worldwide can foster resilience against crises and ensure public safety.

Preparedness, after all, is the foundation of national security—and the cornerstone of a resilient society.