Sweden’s central bank has urged adults across the country to keep enough cash at home to cover at least a week of expenses, so that in the event of war or another crisis they can still buy food, medicine and other essential goods.
According to guidance from the Riksbank, every adult should hold no less than 1,000 kronor (about $110). In addition to cash, citizens are advised to keep bank cards issued by different lenders and to use the national online payment service Swish. The recommendations, published on Wednesday, mark the central bank’s first guidance on emergency payments directed specifically at the public.
“The public is an important part of Sweden’s overall defence and plays a central role in strengthening national preparedness,” the central bank said. “Access to different payment methods improves the public’s ability to make payments in the event of temporary disruptions, crises and—in the worst case—war.”
The recommendations are the latest step by Swedish authorities to prepare society for the possible consequences of a military or cyber attack, amid rising threats from nearby Russia and—to a lesser extent—Iran. Earlier, the government sent a special brochure to every household with instructions on civil preparedness, including how much drinking water should be stored and how to access news in the event of a power outage.