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Nordic Countries Roll Out War Preparedness Plans for Civilian Population, Germany Follows Suit With Bunker App

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Nordic Countries Roll Out War Preparedness Plans for Civilian Population, Germany Follows Suit With Bunker App
Photo of a door labeled “Emergency power room, diesel fuel, water supply, sewage lifting plant” in the nuclear bunker under Nuremberg’s main station, Germany. (Source: Getty Images)

Germany and the Nordic nations are taking significant steps to prepare their citizens for potential crises, including war. From mobile apps to guide people to the nearest bunker to pamphlets offering survival tips, these measures reflect growing fears of war as tensions in Europe rise. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted countries like Finland and Sweden to join NATO and rethink not only military strategy but also civilian readiness.

Germany

Germany is developing an app to help residents locate nearby bunkers, addressing the country’s shortage of shelters. “We need to be kriegstüchtig—war-capable,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. With fewer than 600 public bunkers for its 84 million residents, Berlin is urging citizens to adapt private spaces like garages and cellars and mandating safe shelters in new housing projects.

Sweden

Sweden has distributed a 32-page pamphlet, In Case of Crisis or War, offering advice on survival basics like water storage, digital security, and air raid shelters. “If Sweden is attacked, everyone must do their part to defend our democracy,” the guide states. For some, the measures have hit close to home. “I’ve stocked water and battery lights,” said Muna Ayan, a Somali-born healthcare worker. “Having survived war, I know what it means.”

A photo shows the cover of Sweden’s “In Case of Crisis or War” pamphlet, a 32-page guide providing advice on survival essentials like water storage, digital security, and using air raid shelters. (Source: MSB)
A photo shows the cover of Sweden’s “In Case of Crisis or War” pamphlet, a 32-page guide providing advice on survival essentials like water storage, digital security, and using air raid shelters. (Source: MSB)

Finland

Finland, which shares a 1,340km border with Russia, has launched 72tuntia.fi, a website that asks bluntly: “Would you survive 72 hours?” It tests citizens’ readiness and offers advice on essentials like cybersecurity and psychological resilience. “The 72-hour rule is ingrained here,” said Suvi Aksela of Finland’s emergency preparedness association. “But the war in Ukraine has been a wake-up call for everyone.”

A screenshot displays Finland’s 72tuntia.fi website, which asks citizens, “Would you survive 72 hours?” The site provides tools to assess readiness and offers advice on cybersecurity, psychological resilience, and emergency essentials, reflecting Finland’s focus on crisis preparedness. (Source: 72tuntia.fi)
A screenshot displays Finland’s 72tuntia.fi website, which asks citizens, “Would you survive 72 hours?” The site provides tools to assess readiness and offers advice on cybersecurity, psychological resilience, and emergency essentials, reflecting Finland’s focus on crisis preparedness. (Source: 72tuntia.fi)

Norway

Norway’s civil protection directorate has distributed pamphlets recommending a week’s supply of non-perishable food, cash, and iodine tablets. “We live in a turbulent world,” the pamphlet states, emphasizing preparedness for nuclear threats and other crises.

Elisabeth Sørbøe Aarsæther, head of Norway’s DSB, holds a preparedness brochure distributed nationwide, along with recommended emergency supplies such as non-perishable food and essential items. (Source: DSB/Stian Olberg)
Elisabeth Sørbøe Aarsæther, head of Norway’s DSB, holds a preparedness brochure distributed nationwide, along with recommended emergency supplies such as non-perishable food and essential items. (Source: DSB/Stian Olberg)

Russia’s war on Ukraine has forced Europe to confront the reality of potential war. “The question is no longer if a crisis could happen but when,” said a Finnish government official.

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