72 Hours Without Power: Are We Ready for a Major National Disruption?

How prepared would we be if the internet suddenly went down—or if there was no electricity for 72 hours? This is the topic of 'The Ellwood Brief' this week.

What would you do if your phone buzzed with a national emergency alert warning of an incoming swarm drone attack? Where would you go? How would you stay safe?

These aren’t questions drawn from a sci-fi script—they’re real scenarios we must now start to consider seriously. With rising international instability and growing levels of unconventional threats, the conversation around national resilience is no longer optional. It’s essential.

Every day, Russia’s shadow maritime fleet is actively mapping the UK’s undersea cable networks—vital connections that deliver our gas, electricity, and communications. They have already developed advanced underwater autonomous vehicles that criss-cross our seabed. And while these actions remain under the radar for now, it’s only a matter of time before critical lines to the continent—and to the United States—are targeted.

In response, the Royal Navy is stepping up, taking significant steps to protect this vital underwater infrastructure. But this form of grey zone warfare—deniable acts of sabotage designed to undermine our economy and destabilise society—is becoming increasingly common.

And the reality is this: a major attack designed to cause nationwide disruption is not a question of if, but when.

Across Europe, governments are upgrading their civilian readiness. The UK must do the same. National resilience starts not just with military defence, but with every home, business, and organisation preparing for the unexpected. That means being able to function independently for up to 72 hours in the event of a serious disruption.

So what does that look like in practical terms?

Every household should consider storing basic emergency supplies, including:

• 100 litres of water

• Tinned food that can be eaten without cooking

• Iodine tablets

• Candles and matches

• Cash (in case ATMs and card machines go offline)

• A working torch

• A battery-powered radio to stay informed

This isn’t alarmism—it’s common-sense preparedness. It’s about shifting our mindset from reactive to ready.

Safeguarding the nation is no longer the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces or emergency services. We all have a role to play in boosting our national resilience.

Let’s ensure we’re ready for whatever comes next.