Sweden to Issue Updated Civil Emergency Advice Booklet
Sweden has announced that it will release an updated version of its Cold War-era civil emergency advice booklet later this month. The new version, titled “If Crisis or War Comes,” has been tailored to better reflect the current security landscape, including guidance on how to respond to potential nuclear attacks. This decision comes in the wake of lessons learned from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
During a press conference, Swedish Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin highlighted the increased military threat against Sweden and the rising possibility of an armed attack. Bohlin emphasized the evolving nature of security threats, which now encompass cyberattacks, influence operations, and sabotage risks. The updated 31-page booklet, to be distributed between Nov. 18 and Nov. 29, aims to bolster household preparedness for both crises and conflict, with over 5 million physical copies set to be dispatched, alongside a digital version.
In addition to practical advice on handling cyber- and terror attacks, pandemics, environmental hazards, and conventional warfare, the booklet covers self-defence strategies, psychological resilience, digital security measures, and protection against air raids. Bohlin described the booklet as equipping households with the necessary knowledge to respond promptly to crisis situations, with new content on addressing bleeding wounds included in this edition.
Among the instructions provided, the booklet advises individuals to seek shelter in the event of attacks involving nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, similar to precautions taken during air strikes, with shelters offering the best protection. It also notes that radiation levels decrease significantly after a couple of days following such attacks.
Additionally, the updated booklet acknowledges Sweden’s recent decision to join NATO in March, marking a historic shift from its longstanding neutrality stance. The inaugural edition of the “If War Comes” booklet was first introduced during World War II to prepare citizens for potential conflict scenarios.
The reissued civil emergency advice booklet underscores Sweden’s commitment to enhancing national resilience and preparedness in the face of complex and evolving security challenges.