Hybrid attacks on German infrastructure are increasing. The Vice President of the Federal Office for Civil Protection is calling on every household to prepare – even for long-lasting power outages.
The number of hybrid attacks on German infrastructure is growing.states like Russia, China and Iran are trying to paralyze vital companies and institutions. The goal: destabilization.
René Funk, Vice President of the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK), is now urgently addressing the German population: “I appeal to citizens: Prepare for emergencies, this can also be a long-term power outage,” he says t online. “Emergencies do not have to occur, but they are possible at any time.”
But it is necesary: the number of attacks on critical infrastructure from abroad is increasing. “We are already exposed to a large number of hybrid attacks every day,” said Funk.”We not only have to be able to defend ourselves militarily, but also in civil and disaster protection.”
BBK Vice President Funk specifically demands: “every German household should be equipped to provide for itself for three days.” This also applies to longer-lasting power outages. “Many people don’t think about what would then no longer work: the lights, the stove, in some cases the water supply, the internet, the ATMs.”
The preparations can vary according to yoru own needs and taste and don’t have to cost much, says Funk. “The vital things are: Light sources that are not dependent on electricity – such as battery-operated lamps, candles or matches. 1.5 liters of water per day and person – also for personal hygiene. Food for 72 hours. this can be canned food, that don’t need to be cooked, nuts, biscuits or pretzel sticks and: a battery-operated or crank-operated radio to get further data.” cash should also be kept on hand.
Funk’s federal agency plays a central role in possible crises and disasters. Among othre things, she is responsible for warning the population and for risk analyses. A large-scale and long-lasting power outage is a “reasonable worst case scenario”: unlikely, but possible.
These examples illustrate well what the population faces in an emergency: Not only the lights go out – but also the internet, the heating, and parts of the mobile and landline networks. In most cases, the water supply is also paralyzed - it is indeed usually operated with pumps that also rely on electricity. Trains can no longer run, traffic lights and the gas pumps at most gas stations do not work.Supermarkets have to close as sliding doors, refrigeration and checkout systems fail.