Mikael Frisell: "Aussies need to be ready for three years of war – the fun and games are over"
It’s no ordinary Tuesday at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). When I meet Mikael Frisell, a preparedness director with over twenty years' experience in crisis management, I can tell things are more serious than they've been in a long time. His message is crystal clear: we need to gear up for a drawn-out conflict – up to three years – and it starts at home, in your kitchen cupboard.
– This isn't about creating panic, it's about giving us a wake-up call. We're living in a new era, says Mikael Frisell, leaning forward across the conference table.
Recent international reports, with rising tensions in the Baltic Sea and the war in Ukraine grinding into its third year, have prompted the agency to toughen its tone. Alongside the Swedish Armed Forces, they're now putting out a joint call: the Swedish public must be able to cope on their own for at least a week – but really, it's about thinking long-term.
"Forget two days – now it's three years"
We used to talk about 72 hours. But according to Mikael Frisell, that's no longer enough. He points to fresh intelligence assessments circulating in high-level security circles: modern warfare is protracted, gruelling, and impacts the entire community.
- Water and food: At least a fortnight's worth of non-perishable goods and drinks, but ideally, you should gradually build up a supply that lasts several months.
- Heating and power: Have backup options – a portable camping stove, a kerosene lamp, batteries, and maybe a wood-fired stove if you can.
- Medication and hygiene: Make sure you have a surplus of your prescription meds, plus a well-stocked first-aid kit.
- Information and communication: A battery-powered radio (AM/FM bands) is worth its weight in gold when the internet goes down.
- Looking out for kids and the elderly: Talk it through with your family, practise managing without power, and check in on your neighbours.
– It might seem overwhelming, but just start with one thing at a time. Next time you're at the shops, throw in an extra packet of porridge oats and a couple of containers of water, says Mikael Frisell with a wry smile.
Neighbourhood watch becomes key
One thing that strikes me as I listen to him is that the nation's resilience really comes down to relationships. Mikael Frisell explains that the agency is currently working to support community groups and neighbourhood associations in developing their own emergency plans.
– We can't be everywhere at once. It's the neighbour who sees if you need a hand, or you who notices the old bloke on the third floor hasn't turned a light on for a couple of days. That's where our staying power is built.
Out on the street outside, I meet a few locals in Stockholm who have already started thinking differently. "I bought a water container on the weekend, and a wind-up radio. Feels a bit surreal, but at the same time, it's good to be prepared," says a mum in her thirties. An older gentleman walking his dog remembers the Cold War days: "Back then, everyone had shelters and tinned food in the basement. We've let that knowledge gather dust, but now it's time to dust it off."
What do you say to someone who thinks this is over the top?
– I get that feeling. It's comforting to think the worst won't happen. But at the same time: the world around us has changed rapidly, and our job is to make sure Sweden stands firm no matter what comes our way. Being prepared isn't about being scared – it's about being strong.
Mikael Frisell gets up and thanks me for the chat. He's off to a meeting with representatives from the food industry and the energy sector. The work to make Sweden more resilient is in full swing, both at the government level and in our kitchens.
For those wanting to know more: The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has updated its websites with practical checklists, and a national information campaign is expected this autumn. Until then, Mikael Frisell's simple motto applies: "Start small, but start now."