Starting Monday, millions of Swedes will receive updated pamphlets offering guidance on how to prepare for war or other unexpected crises, according to reports.
The new edition of “If Crisis or War Comes”, revised after six years, reflects what the Swedish government describes as a deteriorating security situation, particularly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Finland, Sweden’s neighbour, has just released its own crisis preparedness advice online, while Norwegians have received a similar pamphlet urging citizens to be ready to manage independently for a week in case of extreme weather, war, or other emergencies.
Finland’s new digital guide includes a section detailing government responses in the event of military conflict, reassuring citizens of the country’s readiness for self-defence.
This year, Sweden became a NATO member, joining Finland, which applied for membership after Russia escalated its war in 2022. Norway, however, was a founding member of the alliance.
Unlike Sweden and Norway, Finland opted not to distribute printed copies of the pamphlet to all households, citing the high cost and the ease of updating a digital version.
“We’ve sent out 2.2 million paper copies, one for each household in Norway,” said Tore Kamfjord, head of the self-preparedness campaign at the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).
The pamphlet includes lists of essential items, such as long-life food like canned beans, energy bars, pasta, and medicines, including iodine tablets for a nuclear emergency.
Norway had sent out a previous version in 2018, but Kamfjord noted that the increased threat of climate change and extreme weather events like floods and landslides had heightened the need for preparedness.
The pamphlets include guidelines for various crisis scenarios, advising citizens to be self-sufficient, at least initially, during emergencies. Finns are urged to consider how they would manage without power for several days during extreme winter conditions, with temperatures as low as -20°C. Their list includes iodine tablets, easy-to-cook meals, pet food, and a backup power supply.
Swedes are advised to stock up on potatoes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and tinned bolognese sauce, along with prepared blueberry and rosehip soup.
Ingemar Gustafsson, a Swedish economist, noted that while he doesn’t find the situation alarming, he appreciates the information. “It’s good that we get guidance on how to act and prepare, but I don’t have all of that stocked up at home.”
One key recommendation is to ensure enough food and water for 72 hours, though Kaihko questioned whether this is feasible for everyone, particularly in small apartments with large families.
For Swedes, the idea of such a civil defence pamphlet is not new. The original “If War Comes” was first published during World War II and was updated during the Cold War.
Frances Ibiefo
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