In case of crisis or war
In case of crisis or war
In case of crisis or war
@jintxotek693 weeks ago
In case of crisis or war
- · Extreme weather events.
- · Dangerous pathogens.
- · Outages across important IT systems.
- · Organised crime.
- · Join a voluntary defence organisation that has speci/fic duties within the framework of Sweden's total defence system. /T_here are also other non-pro/fit organisations and faith communities that play important roles.
- · Complete a course in emergency CPR (cardiopulmonary resucitation).
- · Donate blood if you can.
- · Talk to other people in your local community about how to strengthen your collective preparedness - for example, with neighbours in your block of /flats or residential area.
- · Military or civil defence service. During a heightened state of alert, you are to proceed immediately to the place you have been designated in your wartime posting.
- · General national service. If the Swedish government activates general national service, you are to remain at work or carry out other tasks in support of Sweden's total defence system.
- · Sveriges Radio, SVT (Swedish public service television), SVT teletext, as well as commercial radio and TV channels.
- · Apps that include krisinformation.se, SOS Alarm emergency services, Sveriges Radio, and SVT.
- · Text messages sent to mobile phones in the a/ffected area.
This brochure is distributed to every household in Sweden on behalf of the Swedish government. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is responsible for the content.
The brochure is available to order in Swedish, Easy Swedish, and in English, and may be downloaded digitally in many other languages. It is also available in Swedish sign language, audio format, and braille. For more information, please visit msb.se.
Keep this brochure in a safe place.
| The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) 651 81 Karlstad msb.se Illustrations: Patrik Berg Publ.nr: MSB2400 - November 2024 ISBN: 978-91-7927-529-7
To all residents of Sweden
We live in uncertain times. Armed conflicts are currently being waged in our corner of the world. Terrorism, cyber attacks, and disinformation campaigns are being used to undermine and influence us.
To resist these threats, we must stand united. If Sweden is attacked, everyone must do their part to defend Sweden's independence - and our democracy.
We build resilience every day, together with our loved ones, colleagues, friends, and neighbours.
In this brochure, you learn how to prepare for, and act, in case of crisis or war.
You are part of Sweden's overall emergency preparedness.
Contents
4
In uncertain times, it is important to be prepared
Military threat levels are increasing. We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario - an armed attack on Sweden.
War - the ultimate threat to our freedom
When military violence is used to assume authority over us, our right to live a free and independent life is threatened.
However, there are other ways, besides armed con/flict, to in/fluence and undermine our society; for example, cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, terrorism, and sabotage. /T_hese types of attacks may occur at any time. Some are happening here and now.
We can never take our freedom for granted. Our courage and will to defend our open society are vital, even though it may require us to make certain sacri/fices.
If Sweden is attacked, we will never surrender. Any suggestion to the contrary is false.
Other serious threats
We also need to strengthen our resilience against other serious risks and threats, including:
Together we make Sweden stronger
During times of crisis or war, we all need to contribute to Sweden's resilience.
Government agencies, regional authorities and municipalities assume major responsibilities when our security is threatened. Municipalities, for example, care for the sick and elderly, and ensure that childcare and rescue services remain uninterrupted as far as possible. /T_he private sector also contributes to our preparedness.
If a serious incident does occur, aid must be primarily focused on those who need it the most. /T_his means that most of us must be able to manage on our own for at least a week.
Here are some examples of how you can get involved in our collective preparedness:
Swedish defence
Sweden's total defence system comprises military and civil defence. Sweden is also part of NATO's collective defence.
Military defence
Sweden's military defence protects Sweden and its NATO allies from armed attacks, defends our national borders, and aids in con/flict resolution. It comprises /T_he Swedish Armed Forces and government agencies whose core duty is to support Sweden's military defence.
Civil defence
Civil defence involves everyone who lives in Sweden, alongside government agencies, regional authorities, municipalities, private sector and non-pro/fit organisations. One of the most important tasks of the civil defence is to support the military defence. Another core task is to protect the population and ensure that essential public services are uninterrupted as far as possible - even during times of war. Essential public services include energy, healthcare and transport.
Sweden in NATO
7
Heightened state of alert
In the event of war or the threat of war, the Swedish government may announce a heightened state of alert to improve the country's ability to defend itself.
A heightened state of alert requires that we unite against an aggressor, while ensuring that essential services and functions remain uninterrupted. If such an event arises, you may also be called upon to serve in various capacities.
Announcements regarding a heightened state of alert will be broadcast through various channels, including radio, TV, and teletext. /T_he emergency alarm may also be used to signal the highest state of alert.
/T_he emergency alarm signals that Sweden is in a state of war or imminently threatened with armed con/flict. /T_he entire total defence must be mobilised immediately, and everyone must prepare for war. /T_he entire country has entered the highest state of alert.
Total defence duty
From the year you turn 16 until the end of the year you turn 70, you are part of Sweden's total defence and required to serve in the event of war or the threat of war.
Total defence duty applies to all Swedish citizens living in Sweden or abroad. Total defence duty also applies to foreign nationals residing in Sweden. Total defence duty consists of:
During a heightened state of alert, go to work as usual unless you are assigned a specific wartime posting.
9
Warning systems
In the event of serious accidents, crises, threats of war, or war, warnings may be issued in various ways. Learn what the di/fferent sirens mean.
Outdoor warning
/T_he outdoor warning system, which uses loud sirens, is operational in most municipalities and around Sweden's nuclear power plants.
/T_he system is tested at 3:00 pm (15:00) on the /first non-public-holiday Monday in March, June, September and December.
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
14
14
14
This siren sounds for 7 seconds, followed by 14 seconds of silence. The pattern repeats for 2 minutes.
Go indoors, close all windows and doors and, if possible, switch o/ff the ventilation. Listen to Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, channel P4 for more information.
/T_he emergency warning and information system, PSA (Public Service Announcement), is used in emergency situations; for example, in case of hazardous air-quality events or /fires that may emit toxic fumes or cause explosions. Public Service Announcements are broadcast primarily through:
Emergency alarm
15
The siren sounds for 30 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of silence. The pattern is repeated for 5 minutes.
Go indoors. Listen to channel P4 on the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio. An emergency alarm means that the entire country is in the highest state of alert. If you are a member of the armed forces or serve in the civil defence, proceed immediately to your designated wartime posting. If your wartime posting is your current workplace, follow your employer's instructions.
Air raid warning
This siren consists of short bursts, which sound for 1 minute.
Take cover immediately - for example, in a civil defence shelter, cellar or other protective structure. You will have better protection indoors than outdoors, preferably in a room without windows.
All clear
Seeking shelter during an air raid
If there is an air raid, you must immediately take cover in a shelter or other protective place. Choose the nearest one. You may also need to evacuate an area in the event of a possible military o/ffensive.
Warnings are broadcast through a variety of channels, including air raid warning and the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, channel P4.
Civil defence shelters provide protection against shockwaves and bomb fragments. /T_hey also protect against the blast and heat waves from a nuclear weapon. Shelters provide better protection than other spaces when it comes to radioactive fallout, gas from chemical weapons, and biological weapons.
Other places in which to seek shelter
Cellars, garages and below-ground metro stations also provide cover during an air raid. Tunnels and walls can also o/ffer some protection. Being indoors is better than outdoors, preferably in a room without windows.
If you are outside and don't have time to take cover, you must lie down on the ground. Preferably in a small pit or ditch.
When you hear the 'All clear' siren, you may leave your shelter. Help people who are injured or trapped.
Nuclear weapons
The elevated global threat level increases the risk that nuclear weapons may be used. During attacks in which nuclear, chemical or biological weapons are used, take cover as you would during an air raid. Civil defence shelters provide the best protection. Radiation levels will lower drastically after a couple of days.
13
14
Home preparedness
You contribute to our collective preparedness if you can manage on your own for at least one week.
Adapt the advice in the checklists to your speci/fic needs and situation. You may be able to share some things with others - for example, with your neighbours. In times of crisis or war, we all must help one another.
Prepare ahead of time, so you don't have to rush out when something serious happens.
Water
You require at least three litres of water a day, mainly for drinking and cooking. In case of a drinking-water shortage, your municipality can provide public water tanks. However, you still need to keep some water at home for emergencies.
Get water storage containers or buckets with lids for collecting water.
Buy bottled water or /fill up storage containers.
Store water in a dark and cool place. Check if the water tastes or smells unusual once or twice a year. Change the water when necessary.
If you are unsure if water is safe to drink, boil it until it comes to a roiling boil.
Store water in plastic bottles and put them in your freezer. The bottles can be used as ice packs if the electricity cuts out. When the ice has melted, you can drink the water. Don't fill the bottles all the way to the top - they may crack when frozen.
Heat
Your home's indoor temperature will drop quickly if the electricity cuts out during winter. Gather in one room, drape blankets over the windows, and cover the /floor with rugs. Good things to keep at home:
Warm, all-weather outdoor clothing, clothes made of wool, thick socks, beanies, gloves, and scarves.
Blankets, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags.
Alternative heat sources that don't require electricity - for example, a gas or para/ffin heater.
Candles, tea lights, and fuel for heat sources.
Matches, /fire-starters, and a /fire extinguisher.
If you are using alternative heat sources, please take the necessary precautions. Open a window to let in breathable air, and make sure to switch off heat sources before going to sleep.
Communication
You must be able to receive news and important information from government authorities. You must also be able to stay in contact with family and friends. Good things to keep at home:
Radio powered by batteries, solar panels or a winding mechanism.
Extra batteries.
Mobile phone and a charged power bank.
Phone charger for a car.
Important phone numbers written down on paper.
The Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, channel P4, is the official channel for emergency information. It will continue to broadcast in the event of crisis or war. Find the frequency for your local P4 channel at krisinformation.se.
Food
You need food that is /filling, energy-rich and that can be stored safely at room temperature. Get food that can be prepared quickly, requires very little water, or that can be eaten immediately. Start building up your emergency storage by simply buying one or two additional items when doing your regular shopping. Good things to keep at home:
Non-perishables: Grains, cereal, pasta, rice, couscous, instant mashed potatoes, milk powder, tortillas, crispbread, crackers, salt, and spices.
Tinned goods: Tomatoes, vegetables, fruit, and ready-to-eat meals.
High-protein: Dried or tinned meat and /fish, chickpeas, beans, lentils, and cheese in a tube.
High-fat: Cooking oil, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, tapenade, peanut butter, nuts and seeds.
Energy boosts: Fruit custard, jam, chocolate, honey, protein bars, and dried fruit.
Drinks: Co/ffee, tea, hot chocolate mix, blueberry and rosehip soup, juice, or milk.
Food for children: Gruel, infant formula, oatmeal, and baby food.
Make use of available fruits and berries. Grow edible food in your garden, on your balcony, or on a windowsill.
Currency
/T_he ability to make payments in various ways increases your emergency preparedness. You should use cash occasionally. Good to have:
Enough cash for at least one week, preferably in di/fferent denominations.
Other payment options - for example, debit or credit cards and digital services.
Toilet
If there's no water - for example, as the result of a power cut - you will not be able to /flush your toilet. Prepare to dispose of waste in other ways and maintain good hygiene.
You may urinate in the toilet even if you can't /flush it. Discard toilet paper in a garbage can or bucket with a lid.
To dispose of excrement, /fit a plastic bag or garbage bag in your toilet bowl or use a portable toilet or a bucket with a lid. Cover the excrement with compost litter or sawdust. Your municipality will provide information on where to discard waste.
Good to keep at home:
Toilet paper.
Wet wipes, hand sanitiser.
Diapers, menstrual pads.
Plastic bags or garbage bags.
Compost litter or sawdust.
Bucket with a lid.
To reduce odour buildup, avoid mixing urine and excrement.
Other
Good to keep at home:
Camping stove, gas burner, fuel.
Home pharmacy, /first aid kit.
Matches, /fire striker.
Torch, headlamp.
Tin opener.
Fuel in the car tank or a charged battery.
If you require prescription medicines or disposable products - for example, if you have diabetes - make sure to keep a month's supply at home.
Evacuation
You may have to quickly evacuate an area in the event of an impending military attack, natural disaster, or hazardous emissions.
Evacuation instructions will be announced through a variety of channels, including the Public Service Announcement (PSA) system. Switch on the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, channel P4, and follow instructions from government authorities.
If you are unable to evacuate on your own, assistance will be provided as well as emergency living quarters and food when you arrive at a secure location.
Things to bring
Make a list of essential belongings if you are required to quickly evacuate and unable to return home for a while. Here are some tips for what to bring:
Food and water to last a few days.
Photo ID, debit or credit card, and cash.
Medicines and aids; for example, hearing aids.
Radio powered by batteries, solar panels or winding mechanism.
Warm clothing, water-resistant outerwear and extra sets of clothing.
Toiletries and hygiene products.
Mobile phone and charger.
Map, compass.
Important information written on paper; for example, phone numbers and insurance information.
1919
Civil defence shelter
You are not designated a specific civil defence shelter - evacuate to the nearest one. At msb.se, you'll find a map pinpointing all shelters in Sweden.
A shelter should have water and basic toilet facilities. If you have time, bring something to eat, warm clothes and toiletries. Be prepared to stay in the shelter for a few days.
During peace time, shelters may be used for other activities. However, they are required to be reset and available within 48 hours should the need arise. During a heightened state of alert, the property owner is obligated to ensure that the shelter is properly prepared.
Shelters are marked with a sign - a blue triangle inside an orange rectangle. /T_his symbol means the premises are protected under the laws of war.
