The Lockhart Post-Register reports that most people rarely think about electricity until the power goes out. The article says Texas has seen problems with its electrical system from winter freezes, severe thunderstorms, high winds and extreme heat. It also points to a growing national concern about cyberattacks on the computer systems that run electricity, water and other essential services.
The article says hackers targeted more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota in late July. In Braham, Minnesota, an attack shut down computerized controls for the city's well and water treatment plant, and residents were temporarily asked to conserve water. Similar attacks were reported in New Jersey, Michigan and Georgia. In Clayton County, Georgia, officials investigated whether unauthorized cyber activity contributed to a water-system failure, but that link has not been confirmed. The FBI reported incidents involving water and wastewater utilities in at least seven states.
Reuters reported that the Pentagon is investigating suspicious freezer malfunctions at several U.S. military bases as possible cyberattacks, according to the article. Investigators have not confirmed the cause. A Fortune report published October 26 described Pentagon plans to prepare major military installations to run for up to 90 days without outside power and critical supplies. The article says neither report suggests a nationwide blackout is about to happen, and it says the reports do not mean Caldwell County will lose power.
Citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the article says a refrigerator generally keeps food safe for about four hours without electricity if the door stays closed. A full freezer can stay at safe temperatures for about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer may last only 24 hours.