If a War Would Break Out

If a War Would Break Out

The list over possible disasters can be long: radioactive fall-out, terrorism, environmental disasters and war. Örnsköldsvik is not treated by any of those disasters, but the Iraqi war is a burning question and of course the government needs to raise the security. Many of us might wonder what we shall do if a war would break out in our town. This is what you shall do and how the defence is organised in Örnsköldsvik.

The local governments all over Sweden are prepared so that they can handle extraordinary occasions. If a war would break out they would of course get military support. This means that they carry a very big responsibility. In the government of Örnsköldsvik we have an organisation which is responsible for "special occasions" in peace and during "raised readiness". And in this organisation the rescue service and the management group is the leading and the most important group. In the management group you have everything you can think of, an organisation group, a

crisis group, a voluntary lining group etc. This is all very organised although it’s hard to foresee different events.

Warning Signals

- Both in peace and in war an outdoor signal warns us when there is a danger. The signal consists of 7 seconds tone and 14 seconds silence for two minutes. This signal symbolises "important message". When you hear the signal you shall go inside, listen to the local radio, close all doors and ventilation0000.
- The "preparing alarm" means that you are in more hurry because it symbolises that it’s a risk for war. The signal consists of 30 seconds tone and 15 seconds silence for five minutes. When you hear this signal you shall do the same as you did by the "important message" but you shall also arrange so that you quickly can leave your home and find out where the closest shelter is.
- The most serious signal is the "air-raid warning" which means that an air-raid or an attack with other weapons is coming. So when you hear short signals for one minute you shall quickly go to a shelter or search for another protected place. You shall also think of bringing a battery radio, a mask and food
- When the danger is over you will hear a 30-40 seconds long tone. The signal means that you can come out from the shelter and start helping with the rescue work

The best protection

The safest place for war and radioactive fall-out is a shelter. In Örnsköldsvik we have 470 shelters can take 40 000 of the 55 000 persons who live here. The shelter is going to cover the number of people who don’t have military service. We also have a warehouse with masks for about 50 000 people. And you shall already in peacetime find out were the closest shelter is and how you quickly can get there. If you want to know more about the shelters you can contact your local government.

- Do you know what you should do if a war would break out in your town?