Mikael Frisell: "Canadians must be ready for a three-year war – the time for seriousness is now"
It’s no ordinary Tuesday at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. When I meet Mikael Frisell, Director of Preparedness with over twenty years of experience in crisis management, I can tell the situation is more serious than it has been in a long time. His message is crystal clear: we have to gear up for a prolonged conflict – up to three years – and it starts at home, in your own kitchen cupboard.
– This isn’t about creating panic, it’s about waking us up from a slumber. We live in a new reality, says Mikael Frisell, leaning forward across the conference table.
Recent reports from around the world, with increased tension in the Baltic Sea and the war in Ukraine grinding into its third year, have prompted the agency to toughen its tone. Together with the Swedish Armed Forces, they are now issuing 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 72 Hours – Now It's About Three Years"
We used to talk about being prepared for 72 hours. But according to Mikael Frisell, that’s no longer enough. He points to recent intelligence analyses circulating in high-level security circles: a modern war is drawn out, gruelling, and impacts the entire fabric of society.
- Water and Food: At least two weeks' worth of non-perishable goods and drinks, but ideally, you should gradually build up a supply that lasts several months.
- Heating and Electricity: Have alternative solutions ready – camping stoves, kerosene lamps, batteries, and maybe a wood-burning stove if you have the means.
- Medicine and Hygiene: Make sure you have an extra supply of your prescription medications, plus a well-stocked first-aid kit.
- Information and Communication: A battery-powered radio (AM/FM) is worth its weight in gold when the internet goes down.
- Safety for Kids and Seniors: Talk with your family, practice managing without power, and check in on your neighbours.
– It might sound overwhelming, but just start with one thing at a time. Next time you're at the grocery store, toss an extra pack of oatmeal and a couple of jugs of water into your cart, says Mikael Frisell with a wry smile.
Neighbourhood Connections Will Be Key
One thing that strikes me as I listen to him is that society's resilience fundamentally comes down to relationships. Mikael Frisell explains that the agency is currently working to support condo associations and neighbourhood groups in developing their own emergency plans.
– We can't be everywhere instantly. It’s the neighbour who notices if you need help, or you who realizes the elderly person on the third floor hasn't turned on a light in two days. That's where real staying power is built.
Out on the street outside, I meet some locals in Stockholm who have already started thinking differently. "I bought a water container this weekend, and a crank radio. It feels a bit surreal, but at the same time, it's good to be prepared," says a mom in her thirties. An older man walking his dog remembers the Cold War days: "Back then, everyone had bomb shelters and canned goods in the basement. We've let that slide, but now it's time to dust off that knowledge."
What do you say to someone who thinks this is overblown?
– I understand that feeling. It’s comforting to think the worst won't happen. But at the same time, the world around us has changed fast, 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 stands up and thanks me for the conversation. 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 agency level and in kitchens across the country.
For those who want to know more: The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency has updated its website with practical checklists, and a national information campaign is expected this fall. Until then, Mikael Frisell's simple motto applies: "Start small, but start now."