From Blackout- News

“Be prepared for emergencies.” Attacks on German infrastructures are increasing. Rene Funk, Vice President of the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK), therefore calls on the population to take private precautions – especially for imminent power outages (t-online: 12.12.24).

Dangerous threats from hybrid attacks

The threat of hybrid attacks on infrastructure is steadily increasing. Countries such as Russia, China and Iran are deliberately trying to sabotage important supply facilities. Their goal is to spread chaos and destabilize the country. Funk therefore warns: “Emergencies can occur at any time. Everyone should be prepared for it.”

Many people ignore this danger. “We have to get used to the fact that security risks are real,” Funk emphasizes. Decades of peace have meant that precaution has been forgotten. But current developments show how important it is to be prepared.

Basic precautionary measures for households

Every household should have enough supplies for at least three days. These include battery-operated light sources, candles and matches. At least 1.5 liters of water per day are required per person, also for hygiene. For food, non-perishable products such as canned food, nuts or dried fruit are suitable.

A battery-powered or crank-operated radio helps to stay informed in the event of power outages. Cash reserves are also important, as ATMs do not work without electricity. This simple precaution can be essential for survival in an emergency.

Consequences of a long-lasting power outage

An extended power outage affects many areas of everyday life. Without electricity, lights, refrigerators and stoves do not work. The water supply can also fail, as pumps are electrically operated. Internet, telephone networks and ATMs will also be at a standstill.

Supermarkets can close because checkout systems and refrigeration systems fail. Petrol stations are also out of service without electricity, as petrol pumps are electrically controlled. Public transport comes to a standstill and traffic lights fail. Such scenarios have already become reality in the past: In 2019, thousands of Berliners experienced a 31-hour power outage after a construction error. In 2005, the Münsterland region was cut off from the power supply for days because ice and snow destroyed the lines.

Coordination of disaster control authorities

In an emergency, disaster control authorities take over the coordination. The fire brigade, police and rescue services are working at full speed to minimise the impact. According to Funk, Germany is prepared for emergencies, but improvements are possible. Local authorities have a crucial role to play here. Many municipalities have drawn up emergency plans that take effect in the event of crises. Nevertheless, better networking of the state levels is needed in order to be able to react more quickly.

Hospitals have emergency generators that are supposed to provide energy for at least 72 hours. But technical problems can occur, as a case in Berlin-Köpenick showed. Patients had to be transferred there because the hospital’s emergency power system was not running reliably.

Cyber attacks as a new danger

Not only physical attacks threaten the infrastructure but also cyberattacks. NATO recently decided to strengthen its defense against cyberattacks. Russia, China and other countries are relying on digital sabotage to exploit vulnerabilities.

Russian hackers showed in 2015 how vulnerable power grids are. At that time, the power went out for hundreds of thousands in Ukraine. Such attacks could also affect Germany. Therefore, critical infrastructures must be better protected.

Everyone can take precautions

Funk emphasizes that each individual bears responsibility. A simple emergency plan and a small supply of food and water are easy to implement. These measures can be decisive in an emergency. Germany has a strong civil protection system, but individual preparedness remains indispensable.