“Preparedness is Part of Our Mentality”: Growing Up in Sweden and Living in Belgium
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Interview with Andreas – Swedish-Belgian background
Following the interview with Sylvain, we continue our series with individuals who agreed to share their experience.
We spoke with Andreas, a Swedish native who moved to Belgium at the age of 14. (At his request, his name has been changed.) His story offers a unique look at how preparedness is woven into daily life in Sweden and how perspectives change when living elsewhere in Europe.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your connection to Sweden?
Of course. I was born and raised in Sweden, in a small town not far from Gothenburg. My mother is Belgian, and when I turned 14, we moved to Belgium to be closer to her family. I have lived in Belgium ever since, but Sweden will always be a big part of who I am.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, and looking back, that lifestyle taught me a lot about being ready for unexpected situations, even without thinking of it as "preparedness."
How would you say people in Sweden view emergency preparedness? Is it something most families think about?
I would say it is very natural. In Sweden, people do not necessarily talk about "preparedness" every day, but it is there, part of the mentality. Self-sufficiency and resilience are valued traits, not just for survival but as part of being responsible.
Most households have at least basic emergency supplies, like extra food, candles, batteries, and water. It is not dramatic, it is just a habit, like checking that your winter tires are ready before the first snow.
Especially since the government launched awareness campaigns encouraging people to be able to manage for at least 1 or 2 days without help, the idea has become even more accepted.
What kind of emergencies do people usually prepare for there?
Primarily severe weather, like snowstorms, and power outages during the winter. Sweden is very well organized, but in rural areas, it can take time for help to arrive if something serious happens.
People also prepare for disruptions related to cyberattacks or geopolitical tensions, especially recently. Sweden has a long tradition of neutrality and civil defense, and that spirit is coming back in public discussions.
How is preparedness talked about in schools, the media, or at work?
Schools include some basic education on safety and risk awareness, especially in rural areas. In media, you will sometimes see features on how to stay ready during winter or what to keep at home for emergencies.
Workplaces are a bit less focused on it unless they are directly related to critical infrastructure or government services. However, during events like big snowstorms or floods, companies are usually quick to give guidelines about working from home and staying safe.
It is not constant, but when the need arises, the communication is clear and practical.
Have you noticed any changes over the years in how people think about being prepared?
Yes, especially recently. A few years ago, the Swedish government sent a brochure to every household called If Crisis or War Comes. It gave very practical advice on what to store at home and how to act during emergencies.
That publication had a big impact. It made preparedness feel normal, not extreme. People started to check their homes, buy a bit of extra food, or some would store oil, etc. It removed the stigma and made it a shared responsibility again.
Climate change has also played a role. With more unpredictable weather, even people in cities are starting to think differently about how fragile everyday systems can be.
Since you've lived abroad, how would you compare the attitude toward preparedness between Sweden and where you live now?
There is a noticeable difference. In Belgium, at least where I live, the attitude is more relaxed. People trust that the authorities will handle everything, and personal preparation is less common.
In Sweden, even if you trust the government, there is this idea that you should not be helpless. You are expected to take some initiative for yourself and your family.
I do think Belgium is starting to move a little in that direction, especially after the pandemic and the energy discussions, but there is still a cultural gap when it comes to everyday readiness.
Do you personally have an emergency kit or a plan in case something happens?
Yes, I do but I don't call it "emergency kit", it's just items that I know would come handy if need be. It is not huge, but I keep basic essentials at home: bottled water, food that does not need refrigeration, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and some cash. I also have a backup power bank for my phone even though I used it primarily for my gaming console and the sometimes long commute.
It does not take much space, and it gives me peace of mind. I think if you have lived through one or two serious power cuts in winter, you realize how much difference even small preparations can make.
Was there a moment or an experience that made you realize how important it is to be prepared?
When I was a child in Sweden, there was a huge winter storm that knocked out power for several days in our town. No phone, no lights, no access to shops. I honestly can't remember how long it last because I was still a kid but it felt very long.
Our family managed because my parents were prepared. We had firewood, camping stoves, and food supplies. That experience stayed with me.
For someone just starting to think about preparedness, what’s one simple piece of advice you would give?
Start by imagining what you would need if you had no electricity or water for a few days. Build your emergency kit around that idea.
You do not need to panic or overthink it. A few litres of water, simple food, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, and basic first aid supplies are a very good start.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about why being prepared matters?
I would say that being prepared is a form of respect, both for yourself and for the people around you.
In a crisis, if you are ready, you are not only helping yourself, you are freeing up resources for those who need help the most. It is a small effort with a big impact.
And once preparedness becomes part of your life, you realize it is not a burden at all. It is just another way to take care of your future.