Crisis or war: how long Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland want households to be self-sufficient

Official preparedness guidance in Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland now explicitly addresses war or armed attack and sets household supply targets. Germany recommends 10 days if possible, Sweden at least a week, Norway one week and Finland at least three days.

Several governments now publish official guidance asking households to keep emergency supplies at home in case a crisis or war disrupts everyday services. Germany, Sweden, Norway and Finland each publish preparedness advice that explicitly addresses war or armed attack. Here is what each one actually asks residents to do.

Germany: aim for 10 days

Germany's Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) says all households should be able to provide for themselves for 10 days if possible, covering water, food, medical supplies and toiletries, though even supplies for at least 3 days are a big help. It recommends ideally 2 litres of water per person per day. The guide notes that cyberattacks, disinformation and sabotage are being used against infrastructure, and that “even the idea of war, which seemed to be out of the question just a few years ago, no longer feels quite so far-fetched.” The guide advises windowless cellars, or internal spaces such as stairwells, bathrooms or hallways, for protection from explosions and air strikes, avoiding the attic, and keeping 2 walls between you and the outside.

Sweden: at least a week, in case of crisis or war

Sweden's Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (formerly MSB) says the security situation is the most serious since the Second World War and that an armed attack against Sweden cannot be ruled out. The government commissioned the brochure “In case of crisis or war”, the fifth such brochure sent to the Swedish public after editions in 1943, 1952, 1961 and 2018. The Riksdag and the government want everyone to be able to meet their most basic needs in a crisis or war for at least a week without support from society. An English version can be downloaded or ordered.

Norway: one week, about 20 litres of water per person

The Norwegian authorities recommend that as many people as possible be prepared to be self-sustained for one week, so that municipalities and emergency agencies can prioritise those who cannot manage without help. The Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) says that in an increasingly turbulent world, people must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage and, in the worst case, acts of war can impact them. Storing around 20 litres of drinking water per person covers minimum needs for a week, and DSB suggests long-life foods such as crispbreads, oatmeal, canned beans, energy bars, dried fruit, honey and nuts, alongside warm clothes or sleeping bags, torches, some cash and several bank cards. In the event of an act of war, if there are no emergency shelters nearby, DSB advises taking cover in a basement or a room in the centre of the building and keeping away from windows.

Finland: at least three days, plus civil defence

Finland's official Suomi.fi preparedness checklist says home emergency supplies for at least three days provide an excellent basis for many situations, including at least two litres of drinking water per person per day, everyday foods, a battery radio, a charged backup power supply, essential medicines, a small amount of cash and duct tape for sealing windows and vents. It includes advice on a threat from the air, such as a drone with explosives: go indoors straight away when an emergency warning or public warning signal is given and stay inside until authorities say it is safe. Its section on military conflicts and civil defence says civilians would be obliged to take on tasks that meet their abilities, and that instructions for going to a civil defence shelter come from your municipality, housing company or workplace emergency plan.

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