Important information to all residents of Sweden

In case of
crisis or war
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.

3
Contents

In uncertain times, it is important to be prepared........................ 5

Together we make Sweden stronger.............................................. 6

Swedish defence.............................................................................. 7

Heightened state of alert ................................................................. 8

Total defence duty............................................................................ 9

Warning systems...............................................................................10

Seeking shelter during an air raid...................................................12

Home preparedness........................................................................ 15

Evacuation........................................................................................ 19

Civil defence shelter....................................................................... 20

Psychological defence................................................................... 22

Digital security.................................................................................. 23

Terror attacks................................................................................... 24

How to stop bleeding..................................................................... 25

Extreme weather events................................................................. 26

Pathogens........................................................................................ 27

If you require special assistance.................................................... 28

If you have pets............................................................................... 29

If you are worried............................................................................. 30

Talking to children about crises and war..................................... 30

4
Important phone numbers and more information................ 31–32
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 conflict, to
influence and undermine our society; for example, cyber attacks,
disinformation campaigns, terrorism, and sabotage. These 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 sacrifices.

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:
• Extreme weather events.
• Dangerous pathogens.
• Outages across important IT systems.
• Organised crime.

5
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. The 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. This 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:
• Join a voluntary defence organisation that has specific duties
within the framework of Sweden’s total defence system. There
are also other non-profit 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,
6
with neighbours in your block of flats or residential area.
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 conflict
resolution. It comprises The 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-profit 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
Sweden is part of the military alliance NATO.
The purpose of the alliance is that the member
countries collectively will be so strong that it
deters others from attacking us. If one NATO
country is nevertheless attacked, the other
countries in the alliance will aid in its defence
– all for one, one for all.

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. The emergency alarm may also be used to signal
the highest state of alert.
The emergency alarm signals that Sweden is in a state of war or
imminently threatened with armed conflict. The entire total defence
must be mobilised immediately, and everyone must prepare for war.
8
The 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:
• 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.

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 different sirens mean.

Outdoor warning
The outdoor warning system, which uses loud sirens, is operational
in most municipalities and around Sweden’s nuclear power plants.
The 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 off
the ventilation. Listen to Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio,
channel P4 for more information.
The 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:
• 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 affected area.

10
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

A long, uninterrupted siren

lasting 30 seconds.

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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 offensive.

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. They 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 offer 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. 12
Rudimentary protection

Outside in a pit
or ditch.

In a tunnel or
next to a wall.

Indoors, in a room
without windows.

Cellars, garages,
or below-ground
metro stations.

Civil defence
shelter.

13
Most effective protection
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 specific 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.

15
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 paraffin 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.
16
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: Coffee, 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
The ability to make payments in various ways increases your emer-
gency preparedness. You should use cash occasionally. Good to have:
Enough cash for at least one week, preferably in different
denominations.
Other payment options – for example, debit or credit cards
17
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. Plastic bags or garbage bags.
Wet wipes, hand sanitiser. Compost litter or sawdust.
Diapers, menstrual pads. Bucket with a lid.

! To reduce odour buildup, avoid mixing

urine and excrement.

Other
Good to keep at home:
Camping stove, gas burner, fuel. Torch, headlamp.
Home pharmacy, first aid kit. Tin opener.
Matches, fire striker. 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.

18
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.
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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. This symbol means
20
the premises are protected under the laws of war.
Nearest civil defence shelter
If you require shelter in case of a heightened state of alert, you
have the right to enter the shelter that is nearest to your location.

! Locate shelters or other protective structures close

to your home, school and workplace.

21
Psychological defence
Foreign powers and others outside Sweden use
disinformation, misinformation and propaganda
to influence us.

Attempts to influence us, primarily through online platforms and

social media, occur on a daily basis. The goal of these actions is to
sow mistrust and erode our will to defend ourselves.

Those seeking to influence us may do so in the following ways:

• Spreading lies, false narratives, or stories that are partially
true, but taken out of context.
• Manufacturing fake images, videos or voice recordings.
• Attempts to elicit strong emotions related to certain issues
or events to heighten a sense of worry or suspicion towards
each other.

How you can contribute to our collective resilience:

• Be mindful of content that elicits a strong reaction.
• Only share information you know comes
from reliable sources.
• Try to verify information from several
different sources.
• Get verification from official government sources
when something serious has happened.

22
Digital security
Digitalisation can make us vulnerable to
cyber attacks that knock out critical IT systems.

You play a part in strengthening Sweden’s resilience by handling

information in a safe and secure way, both at home and at work.
Tips to get started:
• Create strong passwords that use a combination of letters,
numbers and symbols.
• Don’t click on links in emails, or open attachments from
unknown senders.
• Install security updates immediately.
• Perform regular backups of important information to
an external hard drive, USB drive or cloud service.

23
Terror attacks
Terror attacks and armed aggression can be
directed at people or vital infrastructure, such as
transport systems or the electrical grid. If you are
affected, act immediately.

Run
Get far away from the location.

Hide
Lock yourself in a room or hide
if you can’t run away. Put your
phone on silent mode.

Tell
Call 112 and report what
has happened.

Things to consider:
• Only call if you need to request help, so as not to overload
the network.
• Follow instructions from the police, rescue services and
government agencies.
• Do not spread rumours or unverified information about
what is happening.
• Do not call anyone who may be in danger. You might reveal 24
their hiding place.
How to stop bleeding
Make sure you and the injured person are safe before
assisting them. This is how you stop severe bleeding:

Phone emergency services at 112 or ask someone else to

phone them.

Apply direct, firm pressure on the wound with your arms

extended in an outstretched position, preferably using a
bunched-up t-shirt, scarf or similar item.

If you become fatigued or require assistance, ask someone to

apply pressure on top of your hands.

Maintain pressure until an ambulance arrives, 25

and the paramedics say that you can release pressure.
Extreme weather events
Extreme weather events, including heavy rain, floods
and heatwaves, are becoming increasingly common.
The risk of natural disasters, such as landslides or forest
fires, is also on the rise.

Take the following steps to increase your preparedness in support

of government authorities:
• Find information through your municipality’s website or
about the risk of, and preparedness for, landslides, erosion and
flooding where you live.
• Visit or krisinformation.se to get advice on how to
prepare for extreme weather.
• Find out if there is a fire ban in your area before you ignite a
fire or grill. Information is available at and
other websites.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast and download apps that
provide weather warnings; for example, krisinformation.se, the
Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, and SMHI Väder.
All issued warnings should be taken seriously.

In case of extreme weather events or natural disasters,

switch on the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio,
channel P4, to get information and further instructions;
! for example, if you need to boil your tap water or if your
area needs to be evacuated.

26
Pathogens
Infectious diseases can spread quickly and cause
major outbreaks.

If an infectious disease has begun to spread, government agencies

will provide recommendations on how to protect yourself and others.
• Stay up to date on information from your municipality, your
regional infectious disease specialist, and government agencies.
• Help reduce the spread of the disease by following the
recommendations from government agencies.

27
If you require special
assistance
Individuals who currently receive special assistance
from their municipality will continue to receive
assistance in the event of crisis or war. However, you
must still observe emergency preparedness practices
in accordance with your specific needs.

• Talk to your family, friends, neighbours, assistants or care

administrator about what help you may require.
• Make a crisis emergency plan that also includes important
information about things like prescription medicines and other
medical aids.
• Prepare for transport to a shelter or other protected areas.
• Use your phone’s accessibility features to receive the most
important information.
• If you are hearing impaired, use the app from krisinformation.se
and switch on notifications to receive Public Service
Announcements (PSAs).
• If you are visually impaired, use text-to-speech tools or screen
readers to receive information from government authorities.
• Guide dogs or service dogs are allowed in civil defence shelters.

! Get more information at msb.se or krisinformation.se.

28
If you have pets
You are responsible for the care and wellbeing of
your pet in the event of crisis or war. Make sure you
have supplies at home to last at least a week.

In the event of an air raid, you may bring your pet to protective
structures like cellars, garages and metro stations. If you must leave
your pet at home – and it can manage free access to food – leave
additional food and water.

Good to keep at home:

Dry food and water in storage
containers.
Medicines for the animal.
A cage or other way to transport
the animal.
Handwritten phone number
to your veterinarian, insurance
information and ID number.

If you own horses or livestock, more information

! about emergency preparedness is available at
jordbruksverket.se.

29
If you are worried
Uncertain times can make people feel worried
and anxious. Here are some tips on how to
manage your anxiety:

• Talk to family, friends, neighbours or a mental health

organisation about your feelings. It can help you feel less alone.
• Get involved – for example, by helping others improve their
emergency preparedness. This can give you a sense of purpose.
• Take care of your personal health. Good food, sleep and
physical exercise relieve stress and improve wellbeing.
• Restrict your news intake. Find a level that works for you
and spend more time doing things that make you feel good.
• Seek professional help if you have severe anxiety.

Talking to children about crises and war

Children of various ages express worry in different ways.
Be present and pay attention to signs of stress or concern.
• Explain the situation to the child.
• Listen and invite to a conversation.
• Only talk about verified information.
Avoid unnecessary details.
• If you don’t have all the answers,
be honest and admit it.
• Plan activities with the child
to help shift their focus.

30
Important phone numbers
112
For acute emergencies – ambulance, rescue services, and police.

114 14
For non-emergency contact with the police.

113 13
To receive or provide information about serious accidents and crises.

1177
Medical assistance if you are injured or sick.

More information

MSB.se
More information about emergency preparedness in the event
of crisis or war, including videos, exercises and courses offered by
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.

Forsvarsmakten.se
About the military defence of Sweden and its allies.

Krisinformation.se
Emergency information from Swedish government authorities.

Lilla.krisinformation.se
Information about crisis and war suitable for children
and younger audiences.
31
Public Service Announcement (PSA)
14 14 14

The siren sounds for 7 seconds, followed by 14 seconds

of silence. The pattern is repeated for 2 minutes.
Go indoors, close all windows and doors and, if possible, switch
off the ventilation. Listen to the Swedish public broadcaster
Sveriges Radio, channel P4.

Emergency alarm
15

The siren sounds for 30 seconds, followed by 15 seconds of silence.

The pattern is repeated for 5 minutes.
Listen to the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio, channel P4.
If you are in the military service or civil service, proceed immediately
to the place you have been designated.

Air raid warning

The siren consists of short bursts, which sound for 1 minute.

Immediately seek a civil defence shelter or another protective place.
Choose the nearest one.

All clear

A long, uninterrupted siren lasting 30 seconds.

32