Swedish Government Prepping! (Here’s Their Guide)

In light of the heightened tensions and instability around the globe, the Swedish Government is providing its citizens with an excellent preparedness guide. The 11-page “If Crisis or War Comes” guide covers emergency preparedness, terror attacks, total defense, and warning systems. It also includes home preparedness tips, including food, water, warmth, and communication essentials. By publishing its guide, the Swedish Government is encouraging its citizens to be aware, ready, and involved in preparedness efforts. 

The Swedish Government does something many Western countries fail to do if not outright discourage—emphasizing personal responsibility in ensuring the country's security and resilience. It's my opinion, and seemingly the opinion of the Swedish Government, that preparedness starts at the individual level. After all, if every individual is prepared to survive unassisted for at least several weeks, the Government can focus its relief and recovery efforts on those most genuinely impacted by a disaster. Likewise, the individual has the comfort and reassurance that they are prepared to survive no matter what happens to their Government. 

To that end, the Swedish Government's prepping guide states:

For the population of Sweden: This brochure is being sent to all households in Sweden at the behest of the Swedish Government. The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is responsible for its content. The purpose of the brochure is to help us become better prepared for everything from serious accidents, extreme weather and IT attacks, to military conflicts. 

Many people may feel a sense of anxiety when faced with an uncertain world. Although Sweden is safer than many other countries, there are still threats to our security and independence. Peace, freedom and democracy are values that we must protect and reinforce on a daily basis. 

Public authorities, county councils and regions, municipalities, companies and organisations are responsible for ensuring that society functions. However, everyone who lives in Sweden shares a collective responsibility for our country's security and safety. When we are under threat, our willingness to help each other is one of our most important assets. 

If you are prepared, you are contributing to improving the ability of the country as a whole to cope with a major strain.”

Emergency Preparedness

The “Emergency Preparedness” section of the Swedish Government's guide dives into the importance of being ready for any crisis. It does this by outlining the steps people should take to ensure their resilience during natural disasters and man-made catastrophes. Some of the guide's key recommendations include maintaining an emergency supply of food, water, and other essentials, staying informed about potential risks, and understanding how to respond effectively in different emergencies. The goal is to empower citizens with knowledge and resources to confidently face any emergency.

Here's a great article on Top Prepping Tips! (Step-By-Step Survival Guide)

Total Defence

Given the current conflict in Europe, any guide would only be complete by addressing possible attacks from other countries. To that end, the guide's “Total Defence” section discusses Sweden's comprehensive defense strategy, encompassing military and civilian aspects to safeguard national security. It stresses the importance of societal readiness, where every citizen contributes to the nation's resilience against external threats. To that end, the guide states:

Sweden's combined defences are in place to protect the country, our freedom and our right to live as we choose to. All of us have a duty to act if Sweden is threatened.

Sweden's approach also integrates various societal functions to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies. In doing so, it emphasizes that a united effort may be required to maintain a safe and functioning Sweden.

Warning Systems

Knowing that a disaster or threat is on the way, followed by situational updates, is critical to taking the proactive actions preparedness sets us up for. With that goal in mind, the guide's “Warning Systems” section outlines Sweden's mechanisms for alerting citizens. The alerts focus on public announcements, emergency alarms, and air raid warnings. It explains the different types of warning signals and communication channels the Government uses to disseminate information. In so doing, it ensures people stay informed so they can take appropriate actions when emergencies happen.

The Bottom Line of the Swedish Government Prepping

The Swedish Government's preparedness guide is a testament to the importance of individual readiness and how the individual contributes to the overarching resilience of the country. Sweden underscores each person's pivotal role in the broader context of national security and resilience by empowering citizens with knowledge and tools. This guide is a valuable blueprint for fostering a prepared society capable of facing challenges with confidence and unity.

What are your thoughts on Sweden's approach to preparedness? Tell us in the comments below. 

Additional Resources:

• Prepper Pantry: A Practical Guide to Stocking Your Kitchen
• Managing Your Water Supply When the Taps Turn Off
• 10 Things Not to Do During SHTF (Deadly Mistakes to Avoid!)
• Preparedness (The True Meaning of Preparedness)

Stay safe,