The threat of an electro-magnetic pulse wiping out the entire power grid gradually moves from fiction to reality. An EMP event creates a short burst of electromagnetic energy that can destroy or disrupt electronic systems and devices. The detonation of EMP can occur naturally as a pulse from a massive solar flare, but such a scenario is frightening.
If such an attack should ever happen, the first thing to do is steer clear electronics upon impact. Any device that conducts electricity can become a deadly force. Installing surge protection for your electronic equipment is one way to shield your devices from EMP. There are other survival tips you should know and practice in case such an event should happen.
Survival Tip 1 – Have a Plan
You should never underestimate the danger you’re in because your survival depends fully on how you understand EMP events. It’s important that you have a plan of action instead of contemplating what to do next. An immediate plan of action following an EMP helps you to be swift and accountable for your actions.
Survival Tip 2 – Go Analog
During an EMP event, you will likely need to learn how to live without your digital devices. Phones will not work, cars won’t work, and all lights will be out. So, you need to have a hand-crank solar-powered AM/FM weather band analog radio. Get an analog watch or clock to tell time with, and you may also need an analog thermometer to measure the temperature.
You should get an analog radio or walkie-talkie for communication with people within your circle. However, you should know that most of these devices may not work in high-frequency EMP attacks.
Survival Tip 3 – Make your Own Electricity
Electric grids will be shut down during an EMP event, so it’s important that you make your own electricity. You could get a generator, generate electricity from solar panels, use backyard wind turbine generators, or a micro-hydroelectric system. Also, note that having electricity when others don’t might make you a target. Therefore, it’s best to keep things like this to yourself.
Survival Tip 4 – Use Up All Your Cash
Having cash around during an EMP attack will be useless; every prepper knows this. Use up every cash you have on hand. If you can, buy more food and supplies. Paper money has a very limited shelf life, and in crises spending your cash is the best option.
People around may think you are crazy, but they will understand what lies before them in a few hours or days. You can store your copper and nickel coins. They are valuable during and after an EMP attack.
Survival Tip 5 – Stockpile Essentials
Always stash food, water, and other necessary items for a bug out. An EMP attack can come at any time, so it’s important that you have your bug-out bag stocked with basic items that you can survive on. You can also stockpile your car with essentials like an emergency blanket, escape tools, wash shoes, a first aid box, etc.
Survival Tip 6 – Trade Items
If the power grid is going to be shut down, that means your credit and debit cards won’t work. Everyone may need to adopt the ancient art of battering, as this will be the only option. When trading items with someone else, it’s best to hold onto food items that have a long shelf life.
Also, keep self-defense weapons that could be used against you. The items that are not important to you could be parted with. Items like alcohol, books, hygiene products, caffeine, cigarettes, and books can be traded in.
Survival Tip 7 – Get Self-defense Equipment
The most versatile means of self-defense during an EMP is a home-defense shotgun with plenty of rounds. Other self-defense methods could be as simple as hanging bells on your doors or having a guard dog to protect you at night. When it comes to self-defense during an EMP attack, no corners should be cut.
Survival Tip 8 – Build a Faraday Cage
This is a project you should get started on today before it’s too late. A Faraday cage is a device that protects your electronic devices from intense EMP radiations. This device can protect your communication devices throughout the attack if built well. Currently, you can buy a Faraday Cage, but it is best practice to build one yourself. This way, you are certain that your device is tightly sealed and can save your electronics.
An EMP attack could be one of the catastrophic events a prepper may experience, but there is hope if you do all the prepper activities. Gather water, farm at home, stockpile food and supplies, learn to live without electricity, and plan your home defense strategy. Every prepper should have a bug-out bag ready for such an event, and this bag should contain basic EMP survival supplies. This event may sound drastic, but your survival is possible.