Our civil defense shelters
Shelters are built to protect the population in times of war. Here you can learn how they work and what you should bring with you.
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Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.
What is a shelter?
In Sweden, there are about 64,000 shelters built to protect people in times of war. In peacetime, they can be used for other purposes, but they must be ready for use within two days.
You are not assigned to a specific shelter – you use the one closest to where you are. Shelters are marked with a sign: an orange square with a blue triangle and the word SKYDDSRUM (shelter).
How does a shelter work?
Shelters are located in different types of buildings, such as residential houses or industrial facilities. When prepared for use, they must provide water, heating, ventilation, and toilet facilities.
In wartime, you must expect interruptions in water, electricity, and heating. Food and hygiene items are not provided in shelters.
Shelters are built to protect against blast waves, shrapnel, fire, chemical weapons, and radiation. They are designed for a specific number of people and should allow continuous use for at least three days.
What to bring to the shelter
- Flashlight
- Water (in bottles), a cup or camping mug
- Non-perishable food that can be stored at room temperature and does not require cooking
- Personal hygiene items
- Toilet paper
- Medicines and a pill organiser
- Essential aids such as glasses, contact lenses and hearing aids
- First aid kit
- Warm clothing
- Sitting pad or seat cushion
- Important documents and valuables (ID card/driving licence, cash, bank cards)
- Keys
- Mobile phone and charger or power bank
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Who is responsible for the shelters?
The property owner
Property owners are responsible for maintaining shelters to ensure they remain fully functional, that all required equipment is available and in good working condition, and that the building is clearly marked with a shelter sign. A shelter sign must also be displayed on the wall next to the entrance to the shelter itself.
If a shelter needs to be used during wartime, or if the Government has declared a heightened state of preparedness, it must be possible to make the shelter operational within 48 hours.
A property owner may be a private individual, a municipality or a housing cooperative association.
The Swedish Civil Defence Agency
The Swedish Civil Defence Agency is responsible for coordinating and leading the development of civil protection measures, including warning systems, shelters, evacuation and emergency accommodation.
The agency is responsible for ensuring that the national shelter capacity is maintained. If an inspection identifies deficiencies, the shelter owner must correct them.
The Swedish Civil Defence Agency also has regulatory responsibility for evacuation measures in cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces and the Police Authority.
The County Administrative Board and the municipality
County Administrative Boards and municipalities are responsible for carrying out evacuation and emergency accommodation measures when required.
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Citizen Service
E-mail: kommunen@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00