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Safety & Security #

In an Emergency #

See In an Emergency. In a life-threatening emergency, call 112.

For non-emergency assistance, see Healthcare Providers or Police, Embassy, and Migration Authorities.

General Safety Recommendations #

The U.S. Department of State recommends the following precautions for any traveler. Please note that the intent of these recommendations is not to unnecessarily scare you, but simply to give you advice that is prudent given the current world situation.

  • Enroll in STEP (the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and review the U.S. Department of State website for country-specific advice and alerts.
  • Follow local laws and customs wherever you go.
  • Do not give out information about yourself, other students, or Program events to people you do not know well or trust.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Leave a situation if you don’t feel safe.
  • Guard your passport and other valuables and watch out for scams and pickpockets.
  • Stay in touch with your family at home. If there’s a crisis where you are, check in with family and friends and update your social media to let everyone know you’re okay.

Alarms & Drills #

Fire Alarms at SSE #

If the fire alarm sounds at SSE, exit the building and proceed towards the park on the northern side of SSE (to your left if you exit through the main door at Sveavägen 65). Our meeting point is at the near end of the reflecting pool by Pressbyrån. If you are coming from class, report to your instructor. If you are not in a class, report to any present Swedish Program staff or faculty member. Someone from SSE will announce when the alarm is over and it is safe to enter the building.

Regional Alarms #

In the event of a public crisis or catastrophic event, regional alarm signals are transmitted to the public from civil defense alarm units. Alarm signals are tested on the first Monday of March, June, September and December at 15:00.

In small communities without alarm units or if alarm units are not working, the population may have to be warned in other ways, e.g., by ringing church bells or loudspeaker vehicles.

There are four different signals that are used:

  • The signal used in peacetime is called IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT (VIKTIGT MEDDELANDE) and consists of 7-second blasts at 14-second intervals. This signal lasts for two minutes. When you hear this signal you must immediately go indoors and close all doors and windows. Turn off ventilation, if possible. This is the alarm that is tested on the first Monday of March, June, September and December at 15:00.
  • EMERGENCY ALARM means an immediate danger of war. Everybody with military or civilian wartime postings must report immediately to the place indicated on their call-up papers. The emergency alarm consists of 30-second blasts followed by 15 seconds’ silence. This alarm stops after 5 minutes.
  • AIR-RAID WARNING means a danger of attack by aircraft or missiles. Go to a shelter or some other safe place. This alarm can also mean radioactive fallout or an attack using gas or biological weapons. Here again, you must hurry to a shelter. This alarm consists of short blasts continuing for one minute. You must be prepared to stay in the shelter for a long time—anything from a few hours to some days.
  • The ALL CLEAR tells you that the danger is over and that you can leave your shelter. This is one continuous signal, lasting for 30-40 seconds.

Security Procedure for a Catastrophic Event #

If Stockholm becomes a site of any form of terrorist action or in case of any immediate such threat, follow this procedure:

  • Go directly to your apartment or host family home if possible when you learn of a terrorist incident or immediate threat. Note that if there is an official evacuation in Stockholm, sirens will go off repeatedly throughout the city. Do not leave your apartment or host family home until you have been contacted by our staff or Embassy staff and told that it is ok to travel within the city. Check your email at least every hour until someone has contacted you.
  • Contact a staff member and state your location and condition. If you cannot reach our staff and you are unsure what to do, call the American Embassy: 08-783 53 00. Next, call your family immediately and inform them of your safety.
  • Speak with your Swedish host family, contact family, and friends to learn as much as possible regarding any incidents or general warnings made to the Swedish public. Monitor local news websites, TV, or radio to learn as much as possible about breaking news.
  • In the unlikely event there is an evacuation of all students from Stockholm due to safety concerns — assuming the airport is open — you should do the following:
    • Contact your airline immediately to rebook your ticket home. Be prepared for long hold times. Pack your belongings so that you are prepared to leave as soon as possible.
    • Contact your family and Swedish Program staff to inform them of your departure plans. For transportation options to the airport, see Travel.
    • Check your email frequently for any additional instructions from staff.

Please note that in the event of a terrorist action or threat in Stockholm, or if there is any such action in the rest of Europe which warrants activating the above procedures, the safest thing to do may be simply remaining in your living quarters. Of course, if air travel is suspended, this may be both the safest and only immediate recourse. If this is the case, you will be so advised by staff.