Several Swedish municipalities that lack the outdoor warning system known as "Hesa Fredrik" risk being left without it entirely, according to reports. Instead, they may have to rely on a new mobile-based alarm system. Norsjö municipality is among those affected, having applied for the Hesa Fredrik system in 2022 but still waiting for approval while neighboring municipalities like Malå have already received it.
Currently, 239 of Sweden's 290 municipalities have outdoor warning systems. Norsjö shares its wait with other municipalities across the country, including Åsele, Dorotea, and Vilhelmina in Västerbotten county. "To say it's not needed would be crazy," said Norsjö resident Jenny Lindmark.
To say it's not needed would be crazy
Linus Övringe, preparedness coordinator in Vilhelmina, noted that while the new mobile app could cover a large part of the need, it wouldn't be 100 percent effective. "The ability to receive alarms shouldn't depend on whether you own a smartphone," Övringe said.
The Hesa Fredrik system, managed by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MCF), consists of sound signals from approximately 4,500 rooftops across Sweden and sends warnings to landline phones and registered mobile phones in specific areas. The government has decided to introduce the new mobile-based alarm system as an alternative for municipalities that may not receive the traditional outdoor warning system.
The ability to receive alarms shouldn't depend on whether you own a smartphone