A renewed warning asks families and businesses to consider how they would cope if an attack interrupted power, water, communications, or access to supplies.
If your phone lost its signal, card payments stopped working, and the electricity went off, how would your household manage?
The government is asking people to think about these possibilities as part of a wider effort to improve Britain’s readiness for emergencies.
In remarks reported on Thursday 22 October, the Defence Secretary highlighted threats to critical infrastructure from hostile states, including cyberattacks and sabotage. Such disruption could affect the services households and businesses depend on every day.
Why is the government raising this?
A cyberattack can have consequences beyond a computer screen. Depending on the systems affected, it could interrupt communications, business operations or access to essential supplies.
The government announced plans for a national public-awareness campaign in July, explaining that people should understand the small steps they can take before emergencies affect power, water, phone signals or access to food shops. Today’s remarks bring renewed attention to that preparedness message.
The warning is about being able to respond. General preparedness advice does not, by itself, mean an attack is imminent.
What does being prepared mean at home?
The government’s existing Prepare guidance encourages households to make a plan, keep important information accessible and consider basic emergency supplies.
Useful preparations include a working torch, backup phone charging, drinking water and food that can be eaten without cooking. A battery-powered or wind-up radio can provide another way to receive information.
Start by checking what you already have. Preparations can be built up gradually within your budget.
Discuss how family members would contact one another if mobile networks were unavailable. Keep important numbers on paper as well as on your phone, and consider arrangements for children or relatives who depend on you.
Think about who may need support
A household plan should account for essential medication, mobility needs and equipment that depends on electricity.
The official guidance also encourages eligible households to join their utility providers’ Priority Services Registers, which help suppliers identify customers who may need additional support during an interruption.
For Ghanaian and other diaspora communities, family networks, churches and community organisations can help share reliable information and check on people who might otherwise be overlooked.
Use trusted information
Follow official updates rather than alarming messages forwarded without a source. The government’s household advice is available at gov.uk/prepare.
For most families, the starting point is modest: know your contacts, check your supplies and agree what you would do.
We rely on these services every day. It is worth having a plan for a day when they are unavailable.
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