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Escalation in colder climes? -

The international border between Finland and Russia is 830 miles (1,340 km) long and runs approximately north to south. To the west lies Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Are these Nordic nations ever in danger of being overrun by Moscow? 

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Sweden joins NATO -

On March 7, 2024, Sweden joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Finland has been a member since April 2023 while Denmark and Norway are founding members, having joined the intergovernmental military alliance in 1949. Pictured is US Secretary of State Antony Blinken receiving the NATO ratification documents from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in March 2024.

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NATO allies -

Sweden felt compelled to join NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Finland's formal accession to the alliance was also triggered by Vladimir Putin's unprovoked attack on Russia's neighbor.  

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The Winter War -

Finland has good reason to fear a similar conflict with Russia. In November 1939, the Soviet Union invaded the country. The League of Nations deemed the attack illegal and expelled the Soviet Union from its organization. While Finnish troops held off the Red Army and won a moral victory, the episode highlighted just how vulnerable the Nordic nation was—and remains—to Moscow's imperialistic mindset.  

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All for one -

At present, NATO has 32 member countries. The alliance is founded on the principle of collective defense, meaning that if one NATO ally is attacked, then all NATO allies are attacked. 

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Crisis management -

With President Putin showing no signs of compromise over Ukraine, and having issued warnings on several occasions about the danger of nuclear war, NATO allies and the Scandinavians themselves are increasingly edgy about the possibility of conflict in the north. So much so in fact that Denmark's government is asking its citizens to prepare for an attack or other potential crisis. 

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Citizen's guide -

In June 2024, government officials in Copenhagen published a 12-page guide that outlines the steps Danish civilians need to take in the event of a national crisis. 

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'Prepare Yourself – For Your Own and the Community's Sake' -

Called 'Prepare Yourself – For Your Own and the Community's Sake,' the guide reminds the Danish population that everybody can play an active role in preparing for an "emergency."

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Worst-case scenario -

In the guide, authorities recommend individuals and their households be self-sufficient for three days if a crisis occurs. It reads as follows. 

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Be self-sufficient -

Plan for three liters of water per person per day for drinking and possible food preparation. Purchase only bottled water. 

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Water supplies -

Tap water should be as fresh as possible, but can be stored for several months in a sealed bottle or container if kept cool and in the dark.

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Safe water storage -

Food-safe containers can also be used to store bottled water. Don't waste water. Any residue can be used to nourish plants for example, or to clean utensils. 

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Food for three days -

Ensure your household has food for three days that can last without refrigeration. Choose items that don't require cooking, like canned goods and crispbread. And of course, pick foods you and your household enjoy and regularly consume.

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Shelf life and preparation -

The guide warns against bulk purchases and panic buying. It recommends obtaining extra non-perishable items during regular shopping. Rotate stock to avoid expiration and again, store food in a dry, dark, and cool place.

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Use a separate gas supply -

If you do have food that requires cooking, try wherever possible to use a camping stove. Doing so preserves mains gas supply and/or electricity, if indeed the supply hasn't been cut off. 

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Bring it to the boil -

Likewise, boil water using the same method. At all times be aware of carbon monoxide risks.  

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Medicine, hygiene, and other necessities -

Advice in the guide also warns households to have necessary medication at hand for at least three days.

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First aid kit -

A first aid kit should be considered essential, a box where clean plasters and bandages can be stored, as well as medical disinfectants. 

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The nuclear scenario -

Ominously, the guide offers this particular advice: in case of nuclear accidents, stay indoors and have iodine tablets available for people under 40 and for pregnant women and mothers. (Iodine tablets are known to block some nuclear radiation, useful during a nuclear emergency.) 

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Personal hygiene -

Personal hygiene should be maintained as much as possible during a crisis, urges the guide. Stock up on items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, pads, and tampons.

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Power cuts and blackouts -

If heating and/or power fails during cold weather, use blankets, duvets, and warm clothing. If cold persists, stay in one room to retain heat. Use candles or heaters safely, keeping them away from flammable materials.

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Keep it charged -

In most crises, reminds the guide, a mobile phone is essential for contacting family and getting information. Use a power bank to keep your cell charged during local power outages. And bear in mind, large or prolonged outages may disrupt phone networks and internet connections. 

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Use your plastic -

Many of us already operate cashless, but in this instance, it's useful to keep physical payment cards handy for times when internet or mobile payment facilities are unavailable. It's always a good idea however to have some cash in coins and small bills available. 

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Other family members -

Are there infants or elderly or sick people in the household with special needs, e.g. breast milk substitute, diapers, or care items, asks the guide. 

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Don't forget the pets -

And don't forget that any pets you might have will require food and water, and any prescribed medicine. 

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Where do you live? -

The guide then outlines possible extreme weather scenarios. Be mindful of your location, it prompts. For example, do you live near the coast or in a low-lying area? If so you may be affected by flooding in the event of heavy rainfall or storm surges. 

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Transport considerations -

Regarding transportation, the advice is for everybody to get an overview of the modes of transport they depend on and consider alternatives. Check official travel plan announcements and road directorate information.  

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Reach out to neighbors -

And if you live in a remote area and/or need help with transport, make arrangements with
neighbors, family members, and friends who can help if needed.

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Increased threat -

According to Reuters, the terrorism threat against Denmark has increased. This year, 2024, has also seen Sweden raise its terrorism alert to the second highest level. But regardless of the cause of a crisis, be it the worsening security situation in Europe, manmade events like cyberattacks and sabotage, or extreme weather, the point of the guide is to underline the active role ordinary people can play in ensuring that their own household, and society in general, gets through any crisis carefully and safely. 

Sources: (Emergency Planning Agency/Beredskabsstyrelsen) (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists) (Reuters) (NATO) (Imperial War Museums) (Foreign Policy) 

See also: Who is Vladimir Putin, really? 

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