Suspected cyberattacks disrupted supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe Nov. 2, forcing some retailers to discard food after temperatures rose. 

Belgium, Sweden, Ireland and Luxembourg were among the countries affected, according to Agence France-Presse. The disruptions followed an October cyberattack on refrigeration systems at hundreds of French supermarkets.

Some retailers confirmed cyber incidents, while others were still investigating. No one had publicly claimed responsibility, and a connection between the incidents had not been established.

How would your household manage if food shopping, electricity, water or electronic payments became temporarily unavailable?

Austria recommends food and water for at least 10 to 14 days. Germany advises households to work toward 10 days of self-sufficiency. Sweden recommends maintaining access to food, water, communication and warmth for at least a week.

The message extends beyond Europe. Taiwan’s official civilian safety guidance recommends at least seven days of household supplies. South Korea’s national safety portal lists 30 days of food and drinking water among its household emergency provisions.

Alberta recommends an emergency kit with enough essentials for household members and pets for at least 72 hours. Its separate guidance on keeping supplies at home recommends a minimum of 14 days if space permits.

A useful first step is to consider what depends on electricity, including well pumps, furnace controls, refrigeration and phone charging. A stocked freezer alone does not provide the same backup as food that can be stored and eaten without power.

Start by checking what is already on hand. Drinking water, ready-to-eat food, battery-powered lighting, essential personal supplies and written contact information provide a practical foundation.

There is no need to purchase everything at once. Adding regularly used items gradually and rotating them through the household can spread the cost.

The overseas incidents are a reminder of how quickly familiar services can be interrupted. Checking supplies and making a household plan today leaves fewer decisions to make when something goes wrong.

Five simple steps to get prepared

1) Store drinking water. Start with what you can and build toward three days of supplies. Alberta recommends four litres per person per day. Cases of bottled water are one option. Larger 18.9-litre water-cooler jugs can also work if you have room and can safely handle them. Some suppliers offer home delivery. You don’t need a water cooler: a manual pump designed to fit the jug lets you dispense water without electricity.

2) Set aside easy-to-eat food. Choose foods your household enjoys that need no refrigeration or cooking. Include a variety of canned fruit, vegetables, stews, meat and ready-to-eat pasta. Keep a manual can opener with your supplies and consider a spare. Liquid from suitable canned foods can be used in meals, although salty brine should not replace drinking water.

3) Check your lighting. Keep flashlights and spare batteries where everyone can find them. If possible, place a flashlight in each bedroom and other frequently used rooms. Make sure everyone knows where they are, and check them regularly so they work when needed.

4) Prepare for communication disruptions. Keep a power bank charged and write down important phone numbers. We rely so heavily on saved contacts that many of us no longer know those numbers by memory. A paper list is useful if your phone is lost or stops working. Agree on a family meeting place in case calls and messages cannot get through.

5) Gather personal essentials. Keep medication information, first-aid supplies and copies of important documents together. Include anything children, pets or other household members need. Store a grab-and-go bag in a secure, easily accessible place so you can leave quickly if necessary. We’ll cover what to pack in a future checklist.

Start with what you already have. Add a little each week.

Always Plan. Prepare. Protect.