On Monday, Sweden began sending nearly five million leaflets to residents urging them to prepare for the possibility of war, as neighboring Finland launched a new preparedness website.

Both Sweden and Finland abandoned decades of military discord to join NATO, the US-led military alliance, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the war, Stockholm has repeatedly called on the Swedes to prepare both mentally and logistically for the possibility of war, citing the serious security situation around it.

The “If Crisis or War Comes” booklet sent by the Swedish Civil Emergency Agency (MSB) contains information on how to prepare for emergencies such as war, natural disaster or cyber attack.

It is an updated version of a brochure that Sweden has published five times since World War II.

The previous version, sent in 2018, made headlines because it was the first time it had been sent to the Swedes since 1961, at the height of the Cold War.

“The security situation is serious and we all need to strengthen our resilience against various crises and ultimately war,” MoD director Mikael Frisell said in a statement. he said.

The 32-page document outlines in simple drawings the threats facing the Scandinavian nation, including military conflicts, natural disasters, cyber and terrorist attacks.

Includes preparedness tips like keeping non-perishable foods stocked and storing water.

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The updated 2024 version has a stronger focus on combat readiness, the MoD said.

5.2 million copies will be shipped to homes in Sweden over the next two weeks.

The brochure is available in print in Swedish and English, and digital versions are also available in many other languages, including Arabic, Persian, Ukrainian, Polish, Somali and Finnish.

Micael Byden, Sweden’s former chief of staff, alarmed many of his citizens in January by urging them to consider their own preparations.

“The Swedes need to mentally prepare for war,” he said.

Also Monday, the government in Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, launched a website gathering information on preparedness for different crises.