Sweden takes no chances with National Emergency Preparedness Week
This year, the theme is linked to the country, which is celebrating 100 years of democracy
In 1921, Sweden granted all citizens universal and equal suffrage, which opened the way for women to enter the political life of the country. In fact, in the first elections after that, five female members of parliament from the entire political spectrum entered the Riksdag.
This year, between 27 September and 3 October, Sweden also has its National Emergency Preparedness Week – an annual information campaign aimed at increasing people’s resilience to societal crises and extreme wars.
The two events may seem to live in different dimensions of knowledge and awareness, but the organizers have found a way to connect them by making the first the theme of the year for the second.
To have an apocalyptic opportunity in the back of your mind
Sweden is one of the most peaceful countries in the world. It has remained neutral and non-aligned, refusing, for example, to join NATO. Yet its government is far from ignoring the possibility of things going awry in the world.
Therefore, there is a special authority for civil protection and emergency preparedness (MSB) whose task is to organize the annual event and carefully remind the Swedes of the ever-present possibility of doom and gloom and how to best prepare for it.
For example, they recommend that one way to increase their own preparedness and take responsibility is to prepare a crisis box where you gather things that you may need suddenly in the event of an unexpected disturbance in society. In order to handle a crisis situation as well as possible, it is important to be able to meet the need for heat, water, food and communication. Then society’s resources can focus on those who need help the most.
During the pandemic, we have been trained to deal with unexpected events and changes in society. The agency then asks the question: ‘Maybe you have come up with something more you need in your crisis box?’ Your preparedness is valuable the same day that something happens.
What does survivalism have to do with democracy?
Even in extreme conditions such as crisis and war, it is important to maintain an open and democratic society. We can protect and defend democracy in many different ways, and not just by going and voting. Being source-critical and read-out is one way, taking responsibility for one’s own crisis preparedness is another.
“If you get a crisis box and get to know your neighbor, so that you can get help in a crisis, then you are also involved and contribute to Sweden’s crisis preparedness. One of the greatest assets during a crisis is our willingness to help each other. During the pandemic, we have seen several good examples of how people stand up for each other, for example by shopping for an elderly neighbor,“Explained security strategist Fredrik Rask.
And there you have it, democracy Swedish style means not only showing pluralism but also being prepared for all possible events and ready to show solidarity when needed.