Are you prepared for a catastrophic blackout across the United States?
On November 13 and 14, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will participate in the GridEx II 2013 Preparedness Drill, one of the largest drills in our country’s history. The drill will simulate a “grid down scenario,” and will look at what would happen if our country’s electrical grid system was crippled by both physical and cyber-attacks.
The drill will implement North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and industry response plans to assess areas of cyber-security and physical security that may need improvement. Thousands of public service utility workers will team up with National Guard members, FBI antiterrorism experts, and other officials from government agencies. Thus far, more than 150 companies and organizations have signed up to be a part of the drill. Besides assessing the grid’s capabilities to withstand attack, another goal is to see how the different governments would react as supplies of everyday necessities dwindle in response to a catastrophic loss of the grid.
A number of other organizations are getting involved as well, offering free on-demand and online preparedness videos as well as presenting a prime-time media event depicting what might occur during a total blackout.
On Sunday, October 27, at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific, the National Geographic Channel will present a 2-hour movie event entitled “American Blackout,” which imagines the story of a national power failure caused by a cyber-attack. The movie follows 10 days during a catastrophic blackout across the U.S.—no lights, no cell phone service, no ATMs, no gasoline, no services, food shortages, and worse yet, no escape. Said to be told in “real time” by those who kept filming on cameras and phones, the film is described as “gritty, visceral and totally immersive.” The filmmakers combine “startling user-generated footage from recent real blackouts and disasters like Hurricane Sandy intercut with the dramatic shot footage in feature film style.” The movie will focus on what it really means to be totally powerless, and will follow the struggles of Americans as they try to make their way through the chaos in hopes of survival.
Coincidentally (or not), Hearst Magazines is also currently offering its magazine subscribers opportunities to preview free on-demand and online videos regarding disaster preparedness. In emails sent to subscribers, the subject line reads “Disaster Prep – The Time is NOW!” Produced by the experts at “Popular Mechanics” and “Good Housekeeping,” the videos include strategies on how to prepare for, survive, and thrive in the aftermath of such a crisis.
With possible threats from natural disasters, financial uncertainties, and cyber-attacks, it’s a good idea to be prepared for a multitude of possible catastrophes. Especially vulnerable is our aging power grid system.
According to the authors of “Gridlock,” former Senator Byron Dorgan and David Hagberg, the U.S. power grid system is one of the most vulnerable aspects of America’s infrastructure and is very likely the next target of a terrorist or cyber-attack. Based on former Senator Dorgan’s in-depth knowledge of energy policy and defense, the book reveals the fact that a number of high-level officials believe foreign powers have already infected our electrical systems with a crippling computer virus. The CIA knows it’s there, but can’t remove it without destroying the computers it has already infected. America’s electrical grid system is in big trouble!
In a 2013 Congressional report on grid vulnerability, “More than a dozen utilities said they constantly, sometimes on a daily basis, face attempted cyber-attacks. One utility said it was the target of about 10,000 cyber-attacks each month.” And these numbers do not include widespread power outages due to severe weather.
Will America be left in the dark and powerless, or will we be able to see our way through the darkness and chaos? Do your part! Be prepared! Make checklists of exactly what to buy at the hardware store and learn what resources you’ll need to survive. Learn how to stay warm and dry and protect you and your loved ones. Keep ready supplies of water, food, medicines, batteries, and other necessities on hand at all times along with ways to purify water and cleanse the air.
We may not know when the next disaster will strike, but we know it’s only a matter of time. The good news is you can be ready!
Link to article in print on GCN’s website: http://www.gcnlive.com/wp/2013/10/11/blackout-are-you-prepared/
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