The world in which we live is not as stable as it appears. It’s easy to get sucked into the ease of having everything at your fingertips, especially if you live in a busy metropolis. But there’s a cost associated with that ease. Although cities are amazing works of human engineering, they are also delicate ecosystems that are susceptible to collapse in the event of a tragedy. An electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, is one of the most unnoticed but possibly catastrophic phenomena that might accomplish exactly that. Though it’s not something we enjoy contemplating, we must be prepared for it. I’m Robert Hall, and I’ve worked in the survival and preparedness fields for many years. I’m here to help you understand why this matters and how you can protect yourself
What is an Electromagnetic Pulse
What precisely is an EMP, then? An electromagnetic pulse is an abrupt burst of energy that has the capacity to completely destroy electrical grids and technological gadgets. Natural and artificial EMPs are the two main categories about which we should be concerned. An energy release from the sun similar to a solar flare, which has the potential to take down power systems and satellites, might cause a natural EMP. The man-made kind, which might result from a nuclear explosion at a high height, is the real deal, though. We are discussing a situation in which everything that is powered by electricity could be destroyed in a matter of seconds.
Think about how a city might handle this. Everything depends on a delicate web of electronics, including the water supply, energy in your house, and even your mobility. All of that might disappear in a second in the event of an EMP. No transportation, no power, and no communication. The sheer absurdity of forcing millions of people to return to a time before electricity. Because of this, being ready for an urban EMP is not just essential, but also required.
How Likely is an EMP Event, and What Can You Do to Prepare?
I understand your thought process, but how likely is this really? Is this a case of paranoid preparation, or should you be concerned about an electromagnetic pulse? Let’s dissect it, then. EMPs caused by solar flares and other natural sources do occur. One well-known instance is the Carrington Event of 1859, which destroyed telegraph networks all over the globe. Given how reliant on technology we are today, the effects of something similar would be substantially worse.
Then there’s the manmade threat. Given the current state of global relations, the prospect of a nuclear-EMP assault isn’t as unlikely as it may have been a few decades ago. Certain locations of the United States may be more vulnerable due to their strategic importance, population density, or deteriorating infrastructure. That is why it is critical to do an EMP risk assessment in your area. Examine your local power grid, conduct historical research on solar activity, and examine the geopolitical implications. Even if the possibilities are tiny, the repercussions are far too serious to ignore.
What then can you do to become ready? Don’t wait until the last minute, to start. First things first: gather nonperishable food, water, and non-electric basic supplies in large quantities. After that, take precautions to safeguard your important devices. This takes me to a frequently asked topic of mine: How can I shield my electronics from electromagnetic pulse?
Quick Reactions to an EMP
The initial hours following an EMP attack are critical. As soon as possible, you must evaluate the damage and take precautions for your own safety. Examine your electronics first. The majority of modern gadgets would most likely be destroyed, but if you’ve taken any safety measures, such utilizing a Faraday cage, you might be able to salvage certain essentials, like a radio or flashlight. For those who are unaware, a Faraday cage is a straightforward metal enclosure that has the ability to block electromagnetic fields, shielding anything within from an EMP’s impacts.
After you’ve verified your stuff, prioritize safety. Avoid utilizing any broken devices; they could be deadly. Also, in an urban area, structural damage could be a problem, especially if the EMP was part of a broader strike. Check your home for indicators of instability and prepare to escape if necessary.
Although communication will be essential, the worst part is that most of our regular means of communication will stop working. Having a backup communication strategy is helpful in this situation. Try to get in contact with neighborhood organizations or local emergency services if you have a functional radio or other device. Knowing the scope of the EMP will help you make better decisions during those critical early moments since knowledge is power.
Maintaining Food Security
After an EMP, one of the main worries is food security. Your perishable food won’t last long because refrigeration isn’t an option due to the power outage. Using such products up before they go bad should be your top priority. Get them while they’re still excellent; don’t wait.
But what happens when fresh food runs out? That’s when other cooking methods come into play. You will need something that does not use electricity, such as portable stoves, grills, or solar cookers. Don’t forget to stock up on fuel sources like propane, charcoal, or alcohol so you don’t run out when it’s time to cook.
Your food supply may dwindle over time. This is when things become rough. Urban foraging may be vital; learning to recognize and exploit edible plants in your neighborhood might be life-saving. Bartering with neighbors may also become an important aspect of obtaining what you need. In times like these, community and collaboration are especially vital.
Water Access
People, water is life. Your access to clean water might be abruptly cut off in the event of an EMP. Electric pumps and purification systems are frequently used in city water supply, therefore in the event of an electrical outage, a backup plan will be necessary.
First, confirm that you are aware of the locations of emergency water supplies, such as neighboring lakes, rivers, or even rainfall. Fill sinks, bathtubs, and any other big containers with water if you have some early notice. To ensure that you have enough for drinking and basic hygiene, try to store at least one gallon per person every day.
The problem is that having water alone is insufficient. Make sure it’s safe to drink before proceeding. Boiling techniques, purification pills, and portable water filters are all effective ways to make sure your water is pure. Always purify water before consuming it, as being sick from tainted water might be fatal in an emergency when medical attention is hard to come by.
Survival After an EMP
Long-term survival is crucial since it might take weeks, months, or even years for an EMP to heal its damage. First, ration your supplies right away. It is crucial to preserve food and water since there is a chance that the infrastructure and electrical grid will be unavailable for a long time.
The repercussions of an EMP can be catastrophically protracted, even if the event itself only lasts a second. It’s conceivable that bartering will become a crucial way to get goods. Keep high-demand products like canned foods and batteries in stock; they may be lucrative trade goods in the future.
Start producing your own food, even if it’s in a little urban location. When it comes to maximizing resources, every little counts. And if the situation in your city becomes unsustainable, be prepared to transfer to a rural region where supplies may be more readily available. Plan carefully, as the path to recovery from an EMP will be long.
