What the war survival manuals distributed by Sweden and Finland say: “It is important to remember that improbable things can happen…”

The Finns have provided an extensive guide only available online with advice for the population on ‘how to prepare for incidents and crises’. The tips include instructions for multiple scenarios, from what to do in the event of a terrorist attack, how to stop bleeding, how to deal with extreme weather events or pathogens to include in Emergency iodine tablets list in case of a nuclear attack. While asking citizens to make sure they can fix themselves on your own for at least a week so that authorities can focus on those who need it most.

All this occurs in the midst of a tense calm that has been felt since Biden authorized Ukraine to use long-range missiles and Putin responded changing its nuclear doctrine. A situation that has put countries close to Russia on high alert. While experts wonder what will be the next step.

Prepare to build resilience

«The idea of prepare crisis can cause anxiety and fear, but thinking about risks and threats can also strengthens individual and community resources. It’s important to remember that unlikely things can happen, but preparing for threats won’t make them more likely. Good prevention means that Finns can fight threats together,” says Eriikka Koistinen, communications director at the Ministry of the Interior. And Kimmo Kohvakka, general director of Rescue Services at the Ministry of the Interior clarifies that “preparation is a civic skill in the current global situation».

Likewise, the Minister of Civil Defense of Sweden, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, at the beginning of this year already warned that “there could be a war in Sweden”, although some interpreted it as unnecessary alarmism, others considered it a wake up call given that measures to rebuild a “total defence” were progressing too slowly.

The truth is that, for Swedes, a manual of this type is not new. It should be noted that the brochure ‘In case of war’ already yese distributed during the Cold War. Likewise, Finns in the 21st century have proven to be very aware of the situation to the point that a survey carried out by the Ministry of the Interior in September indicated that the 58% of the population said they had purchased emergency supplies for the home for crisis situations. And about half of young people and urban residents have made sure they are adequately prepared, and 74% of those who live in rural areas.

What does the manual say in case of war or crisis?

The Swedish guide begins by making it clear that armed conflicts are currently taking place in our corner of the world. However, there are other ways besides wars to influence and undermine our society, such as cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, terrorism and sabotage. «These types of attacks can occur at any time. Some are happening here and now. We can never take our freedom for granted. We must all do our part to defend Sweden’s independence and our democracy,” they say.

Among the situations that require preparation are prolonged electricity or water outages, interruptions in telecommunications. In addition to the instructions, both the Swedish and Finnish guides contain information on hybrid activities and informational influence, how to maintain functional capacity, how to deal with crises or how to help others.

The truth is that the Swedish manual does not leave any loose ends, for the sake of the idea that for a week we will be able to take care of ourselves, it calls for completing an emergency CPR course, join a volunteer advocacy organization who has specific functions within the framework of Sweden’s total defense system or to donate blood.

Total defense duty

It also indicates that if a high defense state is entered, the emergency alarm will indicate that Sweden faces an imminent threat of armed conflict. «It is necessary to immediately mobilize the entire defense and prepare for war. If such an event occurs, you may also be asked to perform various functions,” they indicate.

They point out that from the age of 16 until the end of the year when you turn 70, “you are part of Sweden’s total defense and you are obliged to serve in case of threat of war. This includes Swedes residing abroad and foreigners in order to maintain a comprehensive defense that involves military service or civil defense. In that case, the citizen must go immediately to the place has been assigned to him in his war assignment.

Warning systems

In case of serious accidents, crises, risk of war, different types of alerts depending on the threat. With sirens that are operational in most municipalities and around Sweden’s nuclear power plants. A system that is in fact tested every year in March, June, September and December. In the event of an attack, it indicates turning off the ventilation and listening to channel P4 of the Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio for more information.

If it is an air attack, they establish that they be used civil defense shelters which provide protection against shock waves and bomb fragments. “Also protect against the explosion and heat waves of a nuclear weaponradioactive fallout, gas from chemical weapons and biological weapons,” they say. In Sweden, the population is assigned a specific civil protection shelter marked by a blue triangle inside an orange rectangle.

Preparation for home and backpack in case of evacuation

The manual reminds you that you can always share your supplies and make a list of essential items such as charged power banks, can openers, camping stoves or having important numbers written on paper.

Some items that will also be included in an emergency backpack in case of evacuation. Additionally, they advise: “Store water in plastic bottles and place them in the freezer so they can be used as ice packs if the power goes out.” Stock up on energy-dense, high-fat foods such as pesto, sun-dried tomatoes in oil, peanut butter, nuts or seeds. And they can be prepared quickly, requiring very little water. “Start stockpiling emergency supplies by simply purchasing one or two additional items when you do your regular shopping».

psychological defense

The manual also does not forget the fight against propaganda in a hybrid war that seeks to sow distrust, provoke strong emotions or erode the will to defend. While urging the use of an external hard drive or USB to maintain the integrity of your information. And they also consider the importance of mental health In times of uncertainty and talking to children in times of crisis or war.

«Russia’s war against Ukraine is just a step, not an end»

Finland maintains similar guidelines and the government points out that – even more than in the case of Sweden – due to its past history “has always been prepared for the worst threat possible: war. And to test his citizens, he asks them how they would cope without power for days in temperatures as low as minus 20ºC.

Emphasizing that in the event of conflict, recruits who have completed military service and persons obliged to perform non-military service will perform their duties. «You can present your application to be a Volunteer National Defender. Voluntary defense training maintains a wide range of military and general security skills. “It prepares you to support society in emergency situations and serious incidents.”

In short, for Russia’s neighborhood these Ideas are not trivial or exaggerated. The Swedish commander in chief Micael Bydén has come to appeal to keep in mind one thing that we must not forget: “Russia’s war against Ukraine is only a step, not an end.” Therefore, it is always better to be prepared to take advantage. In that sense, Swedish Minister Bohlin said that it is an obligation that as “the global context changes, the information for households must reflect those changes.” The idea is to expect the unexpected.