Preparedness Week (Beredskapsveckan) 2026 runs from 21 to 27 September. It is the national campaign week that Sweden's civil-defence authority uses each autumn to help households get ready for serious disruptions. This year's theme is "You are part of Sweden's total defence". Below is what the week is, when it happens, and a simple day-by-day plan to use it to reach the seven-day home-preparedness standard.
What Beredskapsveckan is
Beredskapsveckan is an annual public-awareness week run by MCF, the Swedish Agency for Civil Defence (Myndigheten för civilt försvar). It is a fixed point in the calendar for one simple purpose: to get more households to actually do the practical things that make a week without power, water or open shops manageable. Municipalities, regions and voluntary organisations join in with local activities. The point is not to alarm anyone. It is to turn good intentions into a stocked cupboard and a plan.
When it is in 2026, and this year's theme
In 2026 Beredskapsveckan takes place during week 39, from 21 to 27 September. The theme, as in 2025, is "You are part of Sweden's total defence" (Du är en del av Sveriges totalförsvar). The message behind it is the idea of shared responsibility: a household that can look after itself for a week frees public help for those who need it most. It is the same thinking that runs through the official brochure. See what "If Crisis or War Comes" means for your household.
A simple plan: one area a day
The easiest way to use the week is to take one area a day. By Sunday you have covered the whole seven-day standard without a single stressful afternoon.
- Monday, water. Store drinking water (about 3 litres per person per day) and add a way to make more safe to drink. See how to purify water.
- Tuesday, food. A week of food that keeps without a fridge and needs little or no cooking, plus a manual tin opener and a camp stove.
- Wednesday, warmth. A sleeping bag or blankets per person, warm layers, and a safe heat source with ventilation in mind.
- Thursday, light and power. A head-torch per person, spare batteries, a charged power bank and candles with matches. See light and power in a crisis.
- Friday, information. A battery or hand-crank radio for public alerts (VMA) and a written list of important numbers. See VMA and staying informed.
- Saturday, first aid and medicines. A first-aid kit, a week of any prescription medicines, and basic hygiene supplies.
- Sunday, documents, cash and a plan. Copies of important documents, some cash in small notes, and a simple family plan for where to meet and how to reach each other.
For the full list with quantities, see the preparedness checklist.
The seven-day standard behind the week
Beredskapsveckan exists to move households toward one benchmark: being able to manage on your own for at least seven days without the power, heat, tap water, payment systems and open shops you normally rely on. That is MCF's standing recommendation, and it is the same standard behind everyday home preparedness. See the seven-day recommendation.
Where Kapsel fits
If a day-by-day plan still feels like a lot to source and keep current, that is exactly the problem Kapsel was built to solve. One system, three capsules (Energy & Light, Water & Health, Personal & Shelter) and over 30 certified components, covering the whole seven-day list in a single step. It is a way to finish the week's plan in an afternoon rather than over a season. See the Kapsel Core.
Frequently asked questions
When is Beredskapsveckan 2026?
It runs during week 39, from 21 to 27 September 2026.
Who arranges Beredskapsveckan?
MCF, the Swedish Agency for Civil Defence (Myndigheten för civilt försvar), together with municipalities, regions and voluntary organisations.
What is the theme for 2026?
"You are part of Sweden's total defence" (Du är en del av Sveriges totalförsvar), the same theme as in 2025.
What should I actually do during the week?
Reach the seven-day standard: water, food, warmth, light and power, a battery or hand-crank radio, first aid and medicines, and copies of important documents plus some cash. Taking one area a day is an easy way to get there.
More practical answers are in our home preparedness FAQ.
Last updated 18 August 2026.