Nordic countries issue new guidelines on war preparedness

By Necva Tastan Sevinc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Nordic nations are stepping up efforts to prepare their citizens for crises, releasing updated survival guides amid heightened security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, according to a media report.

Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark have issued practical advice on handling emergencies such as war, natural disasters, and extreme weather, BBC reported on Monday.

Sweden began distributing a revamped version of its wartime guide, "If Crisis or War Comes," to households.

Doubling in size since its last update in 2018, the booklet reflects what officials describe as a worsening global security situation.

Sweden's Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin emphasized the need for resilience, including a renewed focus on "total defense" infrastructure.

The guide advises Swedes to prepare for potential disruptions with supplies such as potatoes, canned foods, and emergency water.

In a similar vein, neighboring Finland released a digital guide detailing government responses to crises and individual self-preparedness, including surviving power outages and harsh winter conditions. Citizens are advised to stock essentials such as iodine tablets, pet food, and backup power sources.

Unlike Sweden, Finland opted for a digital format to reduce costs and allow updates.

Norway has distributed 2.2 million paper copies of its emergency guide, urging citizens to prepare to be self-sufficient for a week.

The booklet addresses risks like floods and landslides, which officials attribute to climate change.

Denmark has emailed residents guidelines for a three-day emergency supply, focusing on food, water, and medicine.

The renewed focus comes as Sweden and Finland recently joined NATO, breaking with decades of neutrality.

While Finland has consistently maintained high defense readiness, Sweden is rebuilding its preparedness after years of scaling down.

Authorities across the region stress the importance of readiness, urging citizens to store enough essentials for at least 72 hours.