Nagel pointed out that civil preparedness in Estonia remains limited. Many households would struggle to cope with a crisis lasting more than three days. “We need to think of security as a common good – not just something maintained by the army and our allies, but something that also depends on our homes, our neighborhoods, and our everyday readiness,” he said.

He also highlighted that for many people, the lack of preparedness is not due to ignorance, but due to limited financial and physical resources. “For some, stockpiling emergency supplies is simply not an option – if you’re already struggling with daily expenses, buying extra food and water isn’t realistic. And in many apartment buildings, there just isn’t enough space to store emergency provisions,” Nagel explained. That’s why broader solutions are needed – not just at the individual level, but through community efforts and public policy as well.

As head of the Crisis Research Centre, Nagel contributed a research-based perspective and stressed the importance of collaboration. Raising awareness, sharing practical skills, and building trust at the community level are all key to strengthening society’s resilience in the face of crises.