60% of Swedes prepared for a crisis

Published 2 July 2023
- By Editorial Staff
The war in Ukraine is believed to have increased Swedes' crisis preparedness.

60% of Swedes have made some kind of preparation for a crisis situation. However, the Red Cross believes that this is not enough and that large parts of the population would not be able to take care of themselves in a crisis.

The Novus survey, conducted on behalf of the Red Cross, has shown that there is an increased interest in crisis preparedness among Swedes. 60 percent state that they have made some form of preparation at home in the form of, for example, a stock of food, a first aid kit, water reserves or a crisis plan. In 2021, this figure was 26%.

In contrast, 68% say that they do not have sufficient knowledge of how to act as a private individual in the event of a military conflict. Knowledge of, for example, where shelters are located in the vicinity was also low among Swedes.

It is positive that preparedness seems to be increasing, but not so surprising when there is an ongoing war in Europe. However, many people are still not prepared for a crisis. If something serious happens, large parts of the population will not be able to take care of themselves or their loved ones. A first step to becoming crisis-ready is to have a crisis kit with food, water and a battery-powered radio. Being prepared for a crisis is an act of compassion, says Ylva Jonsson Strömberg, head of crisis preparedness at the Swedish Red Cross, in a press release.

Furthermore, 48% of respondents said they would be prepared to ask their neighbors for help in a crisis, up from 43% last year.

The survey was conducted from April 27 to May 3 this year via an online survey aimed at people aged 18-79.

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