As of 1 January 2026, the agency is called MCF, the Swedish Agency for Civil Defence and Resilience. Previously MSB, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. The name changed, but the message is the same: every household in Sweden is expected to manage on its own for at least seven days. This seven-day standard is the practical heart of the official brochure "If crisis or war comes", sent to every Swedish household.
What does seven days mean?
MCF's recommendation is concrete. Seven days without mains electricity, running water, functioning sewage, mobile networks or digital payment services. That means you need:
- Water: at least three litres per person per day, for drinking and cooking.
- Food: for seven days, preferably items that do not need refrigeration or long cooking, such as freeze-dried food for a week.
- Warmth: sleeping bag, blankets, warm clothing. Without electricity, heating disappears fast.
- Light: head torch, candles, matches.
- Communication: battery-powered radio, power bank, cash.
- First aid: medical kit, prescription medicines, hygiene supplies.
MCF also recommends having a plan. Do you know where to go if you need to leave home? Do your family know you are safe? Are important documents accessible? A ready-packed emergency bag covers the grab-and-go half of that plan.
If crisis or war comes: what the brochure asks of you
The seven-day recommendation is the everyday version of the message in the government brochure "If crisis or war comes". The brochure explains heightened alert, how you will be warned, and why households that can look after themselves free up public help for those who need it most. In short, the same one-week standard, framed for the most serious situations. For the full picture, see our guide on if crisis or war comes.
Why has the recommendation been strengthened?
Sweden has undergone a reassessment of its vulnerability in recent years. Cyberattacks on hospitals and government agencies. Infrastructure failures cutting power and water. Geopolitical instability in Europe's near abroad. In autumn 2024, an updated version of the booklet "If crisis or war comes" was sent to every Swedish household.
The new tone is clear: this is no longer a theoretical exercise. It is an expectation.
Most households do not meet the recommendation
According to surveys, 55 per cent of Swedish households have taken no preparedness measures at all. Among those who have, it is usually torches and extra water, not a complete solution for seven days.
The barrier is rarely lack of interest. It is the practicalities. What should you actually have? Where do you buy it? How do you know it is right? And how do you keep it organised over time?
From recommendation to reality
Kapsel is built directly on MCF's recommendation. Seven days, the essentials covered, everything certified and organised. Developed with an adviser from the Swedish Armed Forces. Quality-checked in Sweden. See The Core for the full system in one step.
It is not the only way to solve your home preparedness. But it is the simplest way to actually meet the recommendation, without spending weekends researching, shopping and organising on your own.
One bag. Three capsules. Seven days. MCF's recommendation, met.
Frequently asked questions
What is MCF, and what happened to MSB?
MCF is the Swedish Agency for Civil Defence and Resilience. From 1 January 2026 it took over the home-preparedness role previously held by MSB, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. The name changed; the seven-day recommendation did not.
How many days should I be able to manage on my own?
At least seven days without mains electricity, running water, working sewage, mobile networks or digital payments. Plan around water, food, warmth, light, communication and first aid for a full week.
What is VMA, and how will I be warned?
VMA (Important Public Announcement) is Sweden's public warning system. It reaches you by radio, TV and a message to your phone, and outdoors by the warning siren. When you hear it, go indoors, listen to the radio and wait for information. A battery or hand-crank radio matters most when the power and networks are down.
Related reading
- What to put in an emergency kit: a complete checklist
- How to get through a week without power and water
- Emergency preparedness for families with children
The one-week standard is also the heart of the authorities' brochure. See if crisis or war comes.
See more answers in our home preparedness FAQ.