New NATO members Sweden and Finland advise their citizens to avoid war
(CNN)- Sweden and Finland have updated guidelines for their citizens to avoid war, while NATO allies have strengthened defense measures in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
The two countries joined the transatlantic alliance over the past two years, after Russia invaded its neighbor. Since then, many European countries have increased military spending to strengthen long-term security in the region.
The leaflets distributed to millions of households in the Nordic countries include instructions on how to prepare for military conflicts, communications and power outages, as well as the effects of extreme weather events.
Government officials provided advice on how residents could survive in a war situation, ranging from storing bottled water and sanitary products to growing edible food at home. The leaflets also include advice for parents and carers, asking people to save diapers, medicines and baby food.
According to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), the Swedish government will distribute the booklet “Om krissen eller kriget kommer (If a crisis or war comes)” to all five million households over a two-week period starting on 18 November.
The fifth edition of the Swedish pamphlet, which was first published during World War II, will place “greater emphasis on war preparedness,” according to an MSB statement released Monday. The digital version of the brochure published in October has been downloaded about 55,000 times, the agency said.
“The situation in the world has worsened significantly in recent years. Wars are being fought close to us. Extreme weather events are becoming more common. “Terrorist threats, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns are being used to weaken and influence us,” it said in a statement posted on the MSB website.
“To resist these threats, we must unite and take responsibility for our country. If we are attacked, we must all help defend Sweden’s freedom and our democracy. “Together we build resilience every day.”
New tips in the 2024 edition include advice on evacuation, how to stop bleeding, dealing with anxiety, preparing for pets, how to talk to children about crisis and war, and caring for especially vulnerable family members, the MSB said. Includes how to support.
Finland’s Interior Ministry also issued new crisis guidance on Monday, advising readers to prepare for prolonged power outages, water outages, telecommunications disruptions, extreme weather events and military conflicts.
Earlier this year, Norway and Denmark – two other members of the 32-party bloc – distributed updated guidance on how people should prepare for potential crises in times of war.