To increase the country's defense capability, it may be necessary to increase the level of preparedness. When preparedness is increased, a coordinated effort from the whole of society is required to ensure that the most critical functions function. This may involve cooperation to ensure access to resources such as food, water and medicines. It may also be necessary to strengthen infrastructure to reduce vulnerability in the event of a crisis. A heightened level of preparedness can increase the country's resilience and security in the face of stress.
High alert
To strengthen Sweden's defense capabilities and security, the government can take measures such as increasing readiness. This can happen, for example, in the event of wars and conflicts in our immediate area or if the situation in the world seriously affects our nation or poses a threat to our independence. In the event of increased readiness, it is important to follow the authorities' advice and stay updated on the situation. If you are deployed to war, you must report for duty immediately. Information about increased readiness will be disseminated through radio and TV, where Sveriges Radio P4 is the readiness channel and will be able to quickly convey important information to the public in the event of crises and increased readiness.
Therefore, always make sure to have an emergency radio at home to keep you informed in case of a power outage. You can order one here.
You can also read more about MSB's information on heightened alert.
Other laws may apply during a heightened state of alert.
During a state of heightened alert, the government is given greater freedom of action and decision-making powers, and it may be necessary to apply other laws than those applicable in peacetime. This may mean that the state has the right to take over private property needed for total defense, such as buildings, transportation, and machinery.
Increased preparedness also requires that both municipalities and government agencies adapt their organization and operations to the specific requirements that apply at that time. Even if the conditions are challenging, it is, for example, the municipality's responsibility to continue maintaining operations such as elderly care, schools and sanitation.
Shelter
There are approximately 65,000 air raid shelters in Sweden, which can accommodate approximately seven million people. If the air raid shelters need to be used in times of war or heightened alert according to the government's decision, they must be ready within two days. The air raid shelters are located in various types of buildings, such as residential buildings and industrial properties. In the event of an air raid alarm, you should immediately seek shelter in an air raid shelter or other safe space. The air raid alarm consists of short bursts of sound that are heard for one minute.
Here you can find your nearest shelter.
In case of serious incidents, Hesa Fredrik (outdoor alarm) is used.
Normally, radio and television are used to convey important messages to the public (VMA). However, in serious events, the outdoor warning system, called Hesa Fredrik, can also be used. Hesa Fredrik can be used to alert about readiness or air raids if Sweden finds itself at war.
Emergency alarm
Signal 30 seconds – pause 15 seconds (repeated for 5 minutes)
Emergency alerts are used by the government to announce that there is an immediate risk of war or that the country is already at war. If you hear the emergency alert, you should immediately seek shelter indoors and listen to Sveriges Radio P4 for updates. Be prepared to quickly leave your home and take the most important things with you, such as warm clothes, drinking water and your ID documents. If you are deployed to a war zone, it is important that you immediately go to the location you have been notified of.
Flight alarm
Signal with short bursts for 1 minute
If the military defense detects a threatening air attack, the air raid siren is used to warn the public.
In the event of an air raid alarm, you should immediately seek shelter in the nearest shelter or basement.
Important message to the public, VMA
Signal 7 seconds – pause 14 seconds, repeated 6 times.
VMA, which stands for Important Notice to the Public, is used to warn the public of various events, such as gas leaks, fires with a risk of explosion or disruptions in important social functions. VMA is usually broadcast via radio and television, but in serious events the outdoor warning system, called "Hesa Fredrik", can also be used. Testing of the outdoor alarm for VMA is done at 3:00 PM on the first Monday in March, June, September and December.
If you hear the VMA signal at any other time, immediately go indoors and close windows, doors and ventilation. Listen to Sveriges Radio P4 for more information or visit Krisinformation.se. You can also call 113 13 for more information.
All clear
Continuous signal for 30 seconds.
The signal means that the danger is over. This means that you no longer need to stay indoors with closed windows, doors and ventilation. If you are in a shelter or protective space, you can leave it.
Sources: The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, the brochure If the crisis or war is coming (published by MSB).
How to prepare for a crisis
Situations of crisis and war can lead to society functioning differently than we are used to, for example, there may be disruptions in electricity and water supplies or shortages of certain foods due to events in the outside world.
Be prepared for a week
In the event of a social crisis, priority is given to helping those who need it most. It is important to plan to be able to manage without social assistance for at least a week, and preferably longer if possible. When planning your emergency preparedness, you should base your own and your loved ones' circumstances and needs on this. This may include having enough food, water and medicine to last for a longer period of time, as well as having a plan for communication and the ability to seek shelter if necessary.
Tips for your home preparedness
Food: To be prepared for a possible social crisis, it is important to have extra food at home that provides enough energy. It is good to use sustainable foods such as can be cooked quickly , require little water, or can be eaten without cooking. This could include, for example, canned goods, dried fruit and nuts, as well as energy bars and other similar foods.
Water: It is important to have access to clean drinking water during a social crisis. Expect to have at least three liters of water per adult per day available. If you are unsure about the quality of the water, you should be able to boil the water to make it safe to drink. If the toilet is not working, you can use heavy-duty plastic bags that you place in the toilet to temporarily handle waste. We also recommend having a water filter to purify the water to avoid the risk of getting sick. Here you will find our products for water.
Heat: If the electricity goes out during a cold season, your home can quickly become cold. It is therefore important to gather in one room and use blankets to cover the windows and rugs to insulate the floor. Remember to avoid fire hazards by turning off all lights before you go to sleep. To get oxygen in, you should regularly open the window and air it out.
Communication: In the event of a serious incident, it is important to have access to important information and to be able to communicate with relatives and emergency services, healthcare or the police. Sveriges Radio P4 is an important source of information, but if the electricity and internet are not working, it can be difficult to access electronically stored information. Therefore, you should write down important telephone numbers and other relevant information on paper. We also recommend that you have an emergency radio. Here you can order an emergency radio.