Russia's war against Ukraine has had a significant impact on the security situation in our region. In addition to concerns about a potential war, it affects Swedish society in several ways, including the availability of electricity and fuel. So far, the war in Ukraine has not had serious consequences for Sweden, but in the long term there is a risk that there may be shortages of important goods and services.
Feeling both scared and powerless when there is a war going on near Sweden is a normal reaction. But as a private individual, there are several steps you can take to improve the situation and reduce your anxiety.
Get involved
Volunteers are an important part of Sweden's crisis preparedness and it's good to think about what you can contribute now or during future crises. There are many ways to get involved.
You can get involved in one of Sweden's 18 voluntary defense organizations or contact your local aid organization to find out how you can help.
Many municipalities have information on their websites about which organizations are available and what help is needed. Discuss and practice safety and preparedness issues in your housing association, sports club or with your neighbors.
The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB, has produced videos and training materials that are suitable for both individuals and associations. You can also donate money to an established aid organization that provides support on the ground in Ukraine.
Be critical of sources and don't spread disinformation
It is especially important to be critical of sources during crises and serious events. Right now there is an increased risk of disinformation and the spread of rumors aimed at influencing Sweden. To reduce the risk, you can help by:
- Seek information from credible sources.
- Be aware of incorrect information and investigate who is behind the information and who benefits from its spread.
- Avoid spreading false information and rumors.
Protect yourself against cyberattacks
By protecting your own information, you help strengthen society's defenses against cyberattacks. For an IT attack to succeed, the attacker must find a security hole, so it is important that you take the following measures:
- Make sure security updates are installed on your computer, phone, or other devices connected to the internet as soon as possible.
- Be careful when clicking on links and attachments or downloading programs from unknown emails, text messages or websites. Be especially vigilant if you do not know the sender.
- Use strong passwords that are long and contain a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Home emergency preparedness
Being prepared for emergencies is essential to ensuring your survival and well-being. A key part of this is planning to be able to cope with the lack of water, food and heat for at least a week. This can include having access to bottled water and food that does not require cooking or refrigeration, as well as having a reserve of fuel or an alternative heat source. By taking these simple preparations, you can increase your chances of getting through an emergency safely and comfortably.
Take care of your own family and the mental health of your loved ones
It's common to feel anxious about what's happening in Ukraine, but there are ways to manage stress and fear. Here are some tips:
- Try to continue living your life as usual and remember that there is no immediate danger to Sweden.
- Find activities that make you feel good, it could be something as simple as reading a book or taking a walk. If you find that the news feed is making your anxiety worse, try to limit your exposure to the news.
- Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. If you prefer to talk to someone outside your network, there are several organizations that offer support via phone, chat, or email.
- Be supportive of others who may be struggling. Read about how you can help people in crisis.
Learn first aid
When it comes to strengthening society's resilience against accidents, crises and attacks, it is important that as many people as possible can contribute help.
One way to do that is to learn more about first aid and how to act if someone has been seriously injured.
On our first aid page, we have collected information and links on how to act in different situations, such as cardiac arrest, bleeding and other types of injuries. By increasing knowledge about first aid, we can jointly increase our ability to act in accidents and save lives.