Nordic countries ramping up civil defense amid Ukraine war

Updated Emergency Preparedness Guidelines in Nordic Countries

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to increased tensions in the Baltic region, prompting Sweden, Finland, and Norway to update their emergency preparedness guidelines.

Emergency Preparedness Guidelines Updated

Finland, Sweden, and Norway have all issued updated preparedness guides to their citizens. The guides cover topics such as:

• Having a week’s worth of water and food supplies

• Acting in case of an evacuation

• Dealing with power failures

Physical Copies Sent to Households

Norway and Sweden are sending physical copies of instructions to all households, while Finland has issued theirs in a digital format.

Feeling of Impending Threat

Though the instructions aren’t new, the feeling of an impending threat is in some places, particularly in Sweden where the government mailed a brochure titled ‘In case of crisis or war’ to all households.

Importance of Civil Defense

The preparedness of the population takes a long time and requires a process where one must have a certain level of preparedness to combat different kinds of incidents. Around 400,000 people have already downloaded the Finnish guide, with 60% of Finns being already prepared and having acquired their home emergency supplies.

Background

As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues, the security situation in the Baltic region has become more tense. The Nordic countries of Sweden, Finland, and Norway have taken notable steps to improve their military strength by increasing defense budgets and joining NATO.

Sweden’s Efforts

Sweden’s government has mailed a brochure titled “In case of crisis or war” to all households. The introduction emphasizes the importance of standing united and doing one’s part to defend Sweden’s independence and democracy.

Finland’s Approach

Finland has issued its updated preparedness guide in a digital format, with around 400,000 people already downloading it. According to Jussi Korhonen, Finland’s director of civil preparedness, the aim is also to get the remaining 40% of Finns to acquire home emergency supplies.

Norway’s Strategy

Norway is sending physical copies of instructions to all households, emphasizing the importance of strengthening resilience to various crises and war. The country has had compulsory military conscription for decades.

Mood in Sweden

David Ferm, a university student in Gothenburg, Sweden, said that preparing for war is not on people’s minds right now and that the feeling is relaxed. However, once the pamphlets have reached the population, there will be a little more worry, but it’s never going to be panic.

Long History of Civil Defense

Preparing for emergencies is nothing new for Nordic countries, with guides dating back to World War II and the Cold War. The national security situation in Sweden has changed drastically, and they all need to strengthen their resilience to various crises and ultimately war.

Importance of Preparedness Guides

The preparedness guides are important to keep up to date, especially given the global security situation becoming more unstable and difficult to predict. Despite no direct military threat toward Finland or other Scandinavian countries, it’s essential to be prepared for different kinds of incidents.

Mood in Finland

In Ferm’s opinion, it’s better that people know how to act and prepare for the unlikely, and it’s good to have that information regardless of any panic it may cause. Ludvig Karlberg, who works at a startup in Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, also believes the idea of war in Sweden is very distant in most people’s minds and is not actively worried.

Importance of Tutorial

It’s essential to get the tutorial into our hands, as the issue is more pressing now than it’s ever been.