Mikael Frisell: "Singaporeans must be ready for three years of war – now it's serious"

It's no ordinary Tuesday at the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. When I meet Mikael Frisell, Director of Preparedness with over two decades of crisis management experience, I can sense the mood is more serious than it has been in a long time. His message is crystal clear: we need to gear up for a prolonged conflict – potentially lasting up to three years – and preparations should start right at home, in your own kitchen pantry.

– This isn't about causing panic, but about waking us up from our slumber. We're living in a new era, says Mikael Frisell, leaning forward across the meeting table.

Recent international reports, with rising tensions in the Baltic Sea and the war in Ukraine dragging into its third year, have prompted the agency to toughen its stance. Together with the Swedish Armed Forces, they are now issuing a joint call: the Swedish people 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 about three years"

We used to talk about 72 hours. But according to Mikael Frisell, that's no longer sufficient. He points to fresh intelligence assessments circulating in high security circles: a modern war is protracted, gruelling, and impacts the whole of society.

• Water and food: At least two weeks' worth of dry 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 perhaps a wood-burning stove if possible.
• Medicine and hygiene: Make sure you have extra supplies of your prescription medications, plus a well-stocked first-aid kit.
• Information and communication: A battery-powered radio (with AM/FM bands) is worth its weight in gold when the internet goes down.
• Safety for children and the elderly: Talk to your family, practise managing without power, and check in on your neighbours.

– It might seem overwhelming, but start with one thing at a time. Next time you're at the shops, just throw in an extra packet of oatmeal and a couple of containers of water, says Mikael Frisell with a wry smile.

Community spirit will be key

One thing that strikes me as I listen to him is that society's resilience fundamentally boils down to relationships. Mikael Frisell explains that the agency is currently working to support housing cooperatives and neighbourhood associations in creating their own preparedness plans.

– We can't be everywhere instantly. It's the neighbour who notices if you need help, or you who realises the elderly person on the third floor hasn't turned on their light for two days. That's where true endurance is built.

Out on the street outside, I meet some Stockholmers who have already started thinking differently. "I bought a water container over the weekend, and a wind-up radio. It feels a bit surreal, but at the same time, it's good to be prepared," says a mother of young children in her thirties. An older man walking his dog remembers the Cold War days: "Back then, everyone had 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 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 stands up and thanks me for the conversation. He's off to a meeting with representatives from the food industry and energy sector. The work to make Sweden more resilient is in full swing, both at the agency level and in kitchens across the country.

For those who want to know more: The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency 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."