Crises are events that disrupt the functioning of society or jeopardise the conditions that govern the life of the population. They include serious crises in times of peace as well as war. Such situations demand good emergency management if they are not to undermine confidence in the Government and authorities and potentially threaten the national security and democracy of Sweden.   

Emergency management in Sweden requires municipalities, county councils and government agencies, as well as organisations and private companies, to take their share of responsibility and to co-operate with each other. Emergency management includes preparedness in the event of serious crises in peacetime and civil defence, i.e. preparedness to resist an armed attack against Sweden. Swedish Maritime Administration takes part in this process. 

The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) co-ordinates the work to develop the preparedness of Swedish society to manage serious crises.