An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack is a high-intensity burst of electromagnetic energy that can disable or destroy electronic equipment and disrupt electrical power systems. EMP attacks can cause widespread blackouts, communication disruptions, and other detrimental effects on critical infrastructure.
How to Prepare for An EMP Attack
In order to survive an EMP attack, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time. There are a few key things you can do to increase your chances of EMP survival:
Stock Up on Basic Supplies
An EMP attack will leave the targeted area in total chaos. This means that basic services like water, electricity, and gas will be unavailable. When that happens, it’ll be difficult to survive since food and water won’t be readily available.
One crucial aspect of EMP preparedness is to have a plan for food and water. If the power is out, you won’t be able to cook or store food. And you probably won’t have running water either since the water grid and water treatment facilities run on electricity and depend on computers.
Make sure you have a good stock of basic supplies like food and water. Stock up on non-perishable foods like canned goods, dried foods, MREs, pasta, and grains. You also need to hoard ingredients to make decent and healthy meals even during a crisis.
In the event of an EMP attack, you can’t use your microwave, induction oven, electric stove, and similar cooking facilities. But you can still cook your food and boil water with the help of a good ol’ wood stove or bonfire. So make sure you have a wood stove at home and a portable stove for emergency uses. Consider solar ovens, too. As the name implies, these ovens harness the power of the sun for cooking, grilling, and baking.
You’ll also need different tools to start a fire such as waterproof and strike-anywhere matches, lighters, flint and steel, Ferro rod, and even a bow drill fire starter. Stockpile tinder and firewood, too.
Hoard ready-to-eat foods, too. If things get really crazy, you may not have the time or resources to cook or even heat your food. Your best option is to eat something out of the box or packet. Examples of ready-to-eat foods include granola bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruits, canned fruits, and beef jerky. Freeze-dried foods and MREs (meal, ready-to-eat) require hot water before you can partake in them. But they’re still a good option to have in your stockpile.
Make sure you also have a good supply of water. You’ll need at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. Stockpile bottled water and fill up large BPA-free containers with fresh water then keep them in a cool, dark place. If you have a bathtub, you could use a WaterBOB to store water. Just put it inside your tub and fill it up with water. It can hold up to 100 gallons of water.
If possible, invest in a water filter and purification system. Install a rainwater collection system, too. This way, you’ll have access to clean water even if the tap water is contaminated. But to be on the safe side, filter and boil the water first before drinking or using it to prepare your meals.
It also helps if you can dig a well on your property. It’s also a good idea to build your home or emergency shelter near a freshwater source like lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, reservoirs, and even glaciers. Purchase portable water filters, purification tablets, and iodine to help turn dirty water into something safer and more appetizing to drink.
Gather Emergency Supplies and Survival Gear
Aside from food and water, you should have all the necessary survival gear to help you deal with the crisis resulting from an EMP attack. Take into consideration that electricity, internet, and probably running water will be affected so you should have emergency gear and supplies that’ll be useful in such a scenario.
Build a bug out bag, too. This emergency kit is essential for EMP survival and other kinds of dire situations. When an EMP attack occurs, it’ll be important to have some life-saving supplies and gear in your emergency kit so that you can survive even if you have to leave your home. Some of the items you will want to stockpile at home and include in your bug out bag are:
1. Food and water: Store as much food and water in your emergency pantry as possible. As for your bug out bag, you’ll need at least a three-day supply for each person in your household. Choose foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration. You’ll also need portable water filters and water purification tablets.
2. Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio will be your lifeline to information about what is happening and where help can be found.
3. Two-way radios: You’ll need a way to communicate with your family and other people. Walkie-talkies and other two-way radios will still work even after an EMP attack.
4. Solar chargers and powerbanks: These will come in handy for charging your devices and keeping them powered. In case the EMP attack isn’t a global or countrywide disaster, you may still be able to contact people outside the affected area. Keep your phones, chargers, and other devices in Faraday cages so they won’t be fried by the pulse.
5. Light sources: Candles, battery-powered flashlights, and solar lamps are must-have items for your EMP survival kit.
6. Extra batteries: Make sure to pack plenty of extra batteries for your flashlight, radio, and other devices.
7. Firestarters: Lighters, waterproof matches, drill bows, flint and steel, and Ferro rod fire starters will come in handy with electric stoves and heaters rendered useless by the EM pulse.
8. Bodywarmers: Hand and body warmers will help you survive the cold if power is out for an extended period of time. The same with wool blankets, thermal blankets, and warm clothes.
9. First-aid kit: Hospitals and clinics will be affected by an EMP attack. Stockpile bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic ointments, and other first-aid supplies so you can treat your own injuries and ailments.
10. Compass and maps: In case you’re lost, you can’t use your smartphone or GPS device for help. Learn how to use a compass and read maps.
11. Whistle and signal mirror: The electrical systems of rescue drones can also fall victim to an EMP attack. That’s one less effective tool for search and rescue operations. Old-school tools like whistles and mirrors can help signal for help if you’re stranded or lost.
12. Multi-tools and hand tools: Power tools can also get fried by an EMP threat so it’s a good idea to collect hand tools and multi-tools. You’ll need them for a variety of tasks, from self-defense to fixing things around the house.
13. Search and rescue tools: Based on some disaster movies, an EMP attack will cause car crashes, explosions, and fire. You’ll need some search and rescue tools just in case. A headlamp, glass breaker, seatbelt cutter, shovel, ax, crowbar, and sledgehammer can help you survive an EMP attack.
14. Self-defense items: In case things get really bad, you’ll need to defend yourself and your family. Stockpile items like pepper spray, a baton, or a taser. You can also consider learning some self-defense moves.
15. Fire extinguisher: Electrical fires are a real danger during and after an EMP attack. Be prepared by keeping a fire extinguisher in your home and bug out bag. Prepare a fire escape plan and purchase a rope or folding ladder as well as fire blankets.
16. Money: Cash is king in an emergency situation. ATMs and credit cards will not work if the power is out, so be sure to have some cash on hand.
17. Personal documents: While keeping copies of important documents on your computer is a good idea, you’ll still want to hide hard copies at home and in your bug out bag. Store these important personal documents in a waterproof and fireproof container. This includes things like your driver’s license, birth certificate, insurance cards, passports, medical documents, family photos, and more.
18. Grill and fuel: If you have a portable grill, pack it in your emergency kit. You may also want to include some tinder, charcoal, or other fuel so that you can cook food if necessary.
19. Personal hygiene items: Soap, toothpaste, towels, and other personal hygiene items are often overlooked but they’re essential for your health and well-being during any kind of emergency.
20. Items for entertainment: Your kids might throw a fit if they can’t use their phones or tablets. Pack items for entertainment like books, games, and puzzles to help pass the time and keep your minds occupied if you’re stuck at home with no power.
Invest in Backup Power Sources
Since the power grid is most likely to be knocked out in the event of an EMP attack, it’s important to have alternative power sources in place. This could be anything from a backup generator to a solar power system to batteries. If you have the means, it’s worth investing in both so that you’re covered no matter what.
Make sure you have ample fuel for your generator, and that it’s properly maintained. If you’re using solar panels, invest in a quality charger and batteries. And if you’re relying on batteries, make sure to have a way to recharge them once they’re drained.
Purchase Alternative Communication Tools
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for an EMP attack is to have a backup communication plan. If the grid goes down, modern methods like phones and the internet will be unusable. Even pagers won’t work. That is if people are still using them today.
Alternative communication tools like HAM radio or walkie-talkies can help you stay in touch with loved ones during and after an EMP attack. You should also consider investing in a satellite phone as they will still be able to function even if the grid is down.
Have A Emergency Communication Plan In Place
You should also have a plan for how you will communicate with loved ones if you’re not together when the EMP attack happens. This could include an out-of-state relative or friend that you can all check in with or a meeting place to rendezvous if you get separated.
Prepare for Medical Emergencies
Stocking up on medicines and medical supplies is a must in any emergency preparedness plan. When it comes to EMP preparedness, you should also consider the fact that medical equipment will be rendered useless without power.
In the 2013 film Hours starring the late Paul Walker, his character had to stay in the hospital as Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc in order to keep his premature born baby alive. The storm cut off the power supply so the new father had to use a hand crank generator to keep the ventilator working.
Similar to a hurricane, an EMP attack will shut down hospitals and most of the medical equipment. This is a bit tricky since the equipment can suffer damage during an EMP attack if it’s plugged in. Make sure it’s disconnected from a power source when not in use. Also, keep it away from things that may act as an antenna. If possible, keep it in a Faraday cage or box.
Aside from keeping your equipment safe from an electromagnetic pulse, it’s important to have a backup plan for obtaining power. Some equipment can run on batteries, but you may need to consider purchasing a generator as well. Also, if it’s possible to purchase the equipment you need and the backup power to make it work, that’d be a lot better.
Build A Faraday Cage
We’ve mentioned Faraday cages here a number of times. If you’re not familiar with it, a Faraday cage is a device that helps to protect against EMPs. Named after its inventor, Michael Faraday, a Faraday cage provides an “electromagnetic shield” that essentially absorbs electromagnetic energy and prevents it from passing through.
One of the most effective ways to survive an EMP attack, then, is to build a Faraday cage. This can be done in a number of ways, but perhaps the most effective is to use a metal garbage can. Simply line the inside of the can with aluminum foil (make sure there are no gaps) and then place your devices inside.
You can make a Faraday cage of different sizes. Smaller ones can be used to protect phones and other small electrical devices from an EMP threat. Build a bigger one for your portable generators, medical equipment, and other important electrical appliances.
Another option is to purchase a pre-made Faraday cage, which can be found online. These usually come in the form of “Faraday bags” and can be used to protect a wide range of devices, from phones and laptops to solar generators.
What to Do During An EMP Attack
So you’ve prepared as much as you can to increase your chances of serving an EMP attack, now what do you do when one actually happens? Here are some key things to remember and do if an EMP attack occurs:
1. If you’re indoors, stay indoors. Do not go outside unless absolutely necessary. This will help protect you from the electromagnetic pulse as well as any fallout that may result from the attack.
2. If you’re outdoors, try to find shelter as quickly as possible. Again, this will help protect you from the EMP as well as any fallout.
3. If you’re in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine immediately before the pulse fries the circuits and you lose control. Once the engine is off, disconnect all electronics from the battery. This includes things like cell phones, laptops, and GPS devices. By disconnecting these devices, you will help protect them from damage by the EMP.
4. Keep an eye out for out-of-control vehicles and falling planes. EMPs can disable vehicles and cause them to lose control. Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
5. Stay tuned to a battery-operated radio for news and updates. This will help you stay informed about what is happening and any instructions that may be issued by authorities.
6. Be ready for fires. EMPs can cause fires, so it is important to be vigilant and to keep your senses in high gear so that you can immediately extinguish any fire that starts.
7. Don’t use your cell phone or any other electronic device unless absolutely necessary. Place them as quickly as you can in your Faraday cage before the pulse damages them.
8. Don’t use your generator unless absolutely necessary. EMPs can damage generators, so it is important to keep them turned off until you need to use them.
9. Be prepared to survive on your own for at least 72 hours. Keep your bug out bag close and be ready to evacuate once ordered by the authorities. Be vigilant, too. It’s possible that the orders will not come in time because of the possible loss of power. You may need to decide on your own if you have to bug out.
10. Stay calm and remember that you have a plan. An EMP attack is a scary event, but if you remain calm and follow your plan, you’ll increase your chances of surviving this disaster.
The key to surviving an EMP threat or any emergency situation, for that matter, is preparedness. It’s important to have a plan in place and to have everything you may need to survive an EMP attack. Discover more survival tips over at Gentleman Pirate Club.
