Being prepared at home means being able to manage without help from society for at least a week. Our society is vulnerable, not least because we rely so heavily on electricity and the internet. These services can be disrupted, for example, by cyberattacks, floods, wildfires, and war. After just a short time, everyday life can become difficult.
Being prepared for a crisis or emergency is therefore an important part of everyday life. By having basic equipment and supplies ready, you and your family will be better able to cope with, for example, a prolonged power outage or other unexpected events.
Here is a checklist of the most important items to have at home:
Checklist
- A radio that runs on batteries, a crank, or solar power.
- Flashlight and headlamp with extra batteries.
- Bottles and jugs of clean water.
- Food that doesn't need to be refrigerated or frozen. Food that can be eaten right away or prepared without water.
- Camp stove and fuel. Best used outdoors.
- Sleeping bags, blankets, and warm clothes.
- Matches, candles, tea lights.
- Kerosene lamp and fuel, such as lamp oil or kerosene.
- Alternative heat source powered by kerosene, propane, diesel, or wood.
- Home first-aid supplies, such as a first-aid kit, wound care supplies, and any essential medications.
- Hygiene products, such as wet wipes, hand sanitizer, diapers, and menstrual products.
- Spare batteries, charged power banks.
- Cash, in case your debit card stops working.
- A list on paper with phone numbers for family, relatives, neighbors, hospitals, the local government, emergency services, and the electric utility.
- Games, playing cards, books, puzzles.
At msb.se you can read more about the basics of home preparedness and how to ensure you have enough water, food, communication, and heat at home for at least seven days. You’ll also find tips for putting together an emergency kit covering all areas of your household.
Online Training
The MSB has also developed an online training course where you can practice dealing with a prolonged power outage that affects the entire community and your area. The online training course takes about 15 minutes to complete.