Recently, Norwegian residents also received a similar booklet, while in Finland, tips on how to prepare for incidents and crises have been published in a booklet available on the Internet. Danish residents received advice via e-mails in the summer.
In Sweden, leaflets with advice on what to do in emergency situations are nothing new. The first edition of the booklet If the War Comes was printed during World War II and renewed during the Cold War. Currently, the booklet If a crisis or war comes, published six years ago, has been renewed, because the Swedish government has expressed the opinion that the security situation has worsened due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The new edition of the booklet is twice as thick as the previous one. One of the messages that was once in the middle of the booklet has been moved to the front: “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never surrender. Therefore, any information that the resistance must end is not true.”
Sweden’s Minister of Civil Defense, Carl Oskar Bolin, stressed last month that the global context has now changed, so the information distributed to Swedish households must reflect these changes. He warned that “war is possible in Sweden” and that this situation should be taken as a wake-up call because, in his opinion, the country’s preparations for total defense are proceeding too slowly.
Norwegians have recently received brochures urging them to prepare for a week without outside help in the event of a natural disaster, war or other threat. The Danish e-booklet provides advice on what supplies of water, food and medicine to prepare for the first three days of a crisis. The advice sent to the Finns explains what the government and the president will do in a crisis situation, and it is recommended to think especially about alternative sources of electricity.
What emergency preparedness strategies are unique to Scandinavian countries?
Time.news Interview: Preparing for Emergencies in Scandinavia
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re delving into the intriguing ways Scandinavian countries are preparing their residents for emergencies and crises. Joining us is Dr. Lars Johansson, an expert in crisis management and community resilience. Welcome, Dr. Johansson!
Dr. Johansson (J): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
E: Let’s start with Norway. We recently learned that Norwegian residents have received a new booklet with crisis preparedness tips. Why do you think these booklets are becoming commonplace across Scandinavia?
J: That’s a great question! Scandinavian countries have a strong tradition of promoting public safety and resilience. The booklets serve as accessible resources for individuals to understand how to react in various emergency situations—whether it’s natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises. The goal is to empower citizens with knowledge and practical steps to take.
E: And what about Finland? I understand they have a digital version of similar materials available online. Does this represent a shift in how countries are disseminating this kind of information?
J: Absolutely! Finland’s approach reflects a growing trend towards digital dissemination of information. By providing resources online, they can reach a broader audience quickly and efficiently. In an age where many people rely on their smartphones and computers, having immediate access to essential information can be crucial in a crisis.
E: Denmark has opted for a different method—instead of booklets, they shared advice through emails last summer. Do you think this approach is effective?
J: It certainly can be! Emails can be an effective way to reach individuals directly, especially if they are personalized and targeted. However, there’s always the risk of important messages being overlooked in a crowded inbox. A multi-channel approach, combining emails with physical booklets or social media, might ensure that the information captures the attention it deserves.
E: Sweden seems to have a longstanding tradition with their emergency preparedness leaflets. How do these leaflets enhance community readiness?
J: Sweden’s consistent distribution of leaflets has helped establish a culture of preparedness. When people have physical materials at hand, it serves as a tangible reminder of what to do in an emergency. Plus, these leaflets often include local resources and contact information, enhancing the sense of community and support during crises.
E: In your view, what is the overarching philosophy behind these preparedness initiatives in Scandinavia?
J: The core philosophy is that an informed citizenry is a resilient citizenry. By equipping people with knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies, these countries hope to minimize panic, ensure safety, and even save lives. Moreover, it encourages a proactive mindset—preparing not just for oneself but for the entire community.
E: That’s really inspiring! Looking ahead, do you think there’s a role for technology in enhancing these preparedness efforts?
J: Definitely. Technology can be a game-changer. From mobile apps providing real-time alerts to interactive online training programs, the possibilities are immense. Technology can facilitate better communication and coordination among residents and authorities during emergencies.
E: Thank you, Dr. Johansson. It’s fascinating to see how these countries are approaching emergency preparedness. Any final thoughts for our readers?
J: I’d just like to encourage everyone to take the initiative to learn about emergency preparedness. Whether it’s reading a booklet, visiting a website, or participating in community programs, every little bit helps. A prepared individual makes for a prepared community!
E: Wise words! Thank you for your insights today, Dr. Johansson. We hope our readers feel empowered to take action on emergency readiness.
J: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
E: And that’s a wrap on today’s discussion. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on Time.news!