Sweden plans to reissue a Cold War-era emergency advice pamphlet to reflect concerns of a worsened security situation in the Baltic Sea region – in case war breaks out with Russia.
Thirty years after the pamphlets were discontinued, the leaflets will also advise Swedes on how to respond to terror attacks, natural disasters and cyber-attacks "when everyday life turns upside down", according to the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency.
Christina Andersson, from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, told the Associated Press the 2018 edition of "Om kriget kommer", which translates to "If the war comes", would likely be delivered to 4.7 million Swedish homes by June.
The first edition of the pamphlet was published in the 1940s, according to AP.
Ms Andersson said the government agency wished to give practical advice on modern crises such as pandemic or environmental threats, along with conventional warfare.
She said last week the Swedish government's decision was a result of "the current security situation" in the region, with Russia's intensified military manoeuvres.
In the 1940s Swedish authorities wanted their citizens to be aware of what to do if the fighting did arrive on their doorstep.
The government issued the pamphlet to households across Sweden which offered tips on what warning sirens meant and items individuals should have in case of an evacuation.
The first edition of the pamphlets was published in the 1940s. Source: Wikipedia Commons
The pamphlets were reportedly used for up to four decades before they were discontinued in the early 1990s.
A reboot would offer advice for threats relevant to this era. They will also reportedly advise residents to be prepared with stockpiled food, water and blankets, according to CNN.
The first pamphlets are expected to hit mailboxes in May.
"Back then the focus was only on war, today society looks totally different. There are considerably more complex threats," Ms Andersson told Sweden’s Aftonbladet newspaper.
"People need to learn more and know more about how to handle it."
Sweden has taken multiple steps to act on current security concerns - such as military exercises involving troops from US, France, Denmark and Finland.
This picture taken on September 14, 2016 shows Swedish military patrolling outside Visby, on Gotland island, Sweden. Source: Getty
The country positioned troops on the island of Gotland.
Responding to concerns about Russia's Baltic military drills, Sweden also decided to reintroduce military conscription in March 2017 after suspending it in 2010 and relying on volunteers.
Each year 4000 recruits will be selected for military service - conscription was reintroduced after the country struggled to attract voluntary sign-ups.
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