Editorial: ​People get on board with UK’s Be Ready plan - as internet reliance poses new challenges

​Retailers say people across the country are stocking up on emergency supplies after the government launched its 'Be Ready' campaign last month.

The purpose of the scheme is to ensure that we are all prepared for a series of disasters, ranging from severe weather to cyber attacks. Recent weeks have shown us all that there is a growing risk from online risks which were once unthinkable.

The Republic of Ireland was among the countries targeted in an attack on refrigirators in shops. Hackers turned their temperatures up remotely, damaging chilled and frozen products. A previous attack on French supermarkets resulted in units' temperatures rising to 50C and sparking fires.

The bizarre nature of that attack highlights how vulnerable we are in an increasingly connected world. That is something the government is rightly concerned about. While there is no need for panic, it is wise that ministers encourage us all to be able to get by for a few days in the event that the technologies we all rely on temporarily fail.

One scenario officials worry about is a 'black sky' event. That's where electricity and therefore the internet goes down in a particular city. Given our near total reliance on the internet, that would cause major issues. Old technologies like FM radios and copper wire phone lines, which are being phased out, may get us out of a communications hole.

Such preparedness plans are much more common on the continent, but we are catching up. You can find out more about what the government wants you to stock up on online. But in the event the internet is down, key items include: bottled water and non-perishable food for three days; hygiene products; a torch; blankets; sleeping bags and warm clothing; a battery/wind-up FM radio; a power bank and physical cash.