EMP. These three letters may look innocent enough, but every prepper worth his or her salt should know better.
Let’s take a look at what EMP is and how it can impact humanity’s survival in SHTF scenarios.
What is an EMP?
You may have heard about EMP attacks on shows such as NBC’s doomsday-themed TV series Revolution or read about it in end-of-days books such as One Second After.
Electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) are used to shut down and disable anything that has an electronic component.
- In the movie The Matrix, an EMP was used to disable the Sentinels invading Zion.
- In Ocean’s Eleven, EMP was used to temporarily disable power as the protagonists were completing a heist.
Just type in the letters “EMP” on YouTube and you’ll see hundreds of videos regarding the subject.
EMP has become a part of both survivalist’s and prepper’s scenarios. You can do a search and see many blogs tackling the subject on how to prepare against EMP attacks.
EMP attacks can become a serious problem if these occur at a national level. The idea of EMP came from scientists and researchers who were studying the after-effects of a considerable nuclear blast.
The rise of modern technology and the terrifying pace of scientific achievements have led to EMP’s capability to stand on its own. Today, EMPs are electronic bombs that can attack one of the most precious human resources- electricity.
Breaking it down to simplest terms, an EMP attack is an electromagnetic burst of energy caused by the rapid acceleration of particles.
What are the effects of an EMP blast? It can cause trouble to all electronic devices, equipment, and products that make use of electrical components to function. A large enough EMP can even physically damage power lines, buildings, and airplanes.
For example, a massive EMP burst can have enough power to fry electronic circuits within the radius of the blast range, potentially disabling power grids. This effect can set back cities and the affected areas immediately. In military scenarios, it can disable a base or a strategic installation in just a few minutes.
The Chemistry of ElectroMagnetic Pulses
The IEC or the International Electrotechnical Commission states that EMP can be classified into 3 categories:
- E1 Electromagnetic Pulse
The E1 is considered as the fastest EMP pulse among the three. The lifespan of an E1 is also very brief, only lasting a few microseconds. Its effect is very intense. Most EMP weapons and nuclear blasts give out an E1 pulse.
The best example of an E1 attack is a huge nuclear detonation occurring hundreds of miles from above. Once the charge is detonated, a strong EMP usually follows.
There are some factors that influence how potent the blast is, including the size of the blast, how high it was, and the scale of the magnetic field present in the blast area.
As the EMP pulse expands, gamma rays are created via the fission process, which is then sent down towards the earth.
In technical terms, the resulting gamma radiation takes out the electrons from the higher atmosphere and sends them hurtling towards the lower atmosphere.
The natural magnetic field of Earth reacts with the charged particles, producing an electromagnetic pulse which then travels at nearly the speed of light towards the ground.
The first gamma-ray reaction has a potent cascading effect that produces around 30,000 electrons. All of these things happen within just a few billionths of a second and in a simultaneous manner.
- E2 Electromagnetic Pulse
The E2 is a bit slower than E1. It can be compared to that of a lightning bolt strike. The E2 is perhaps the easiest type of EMP attack to protect against, but some nuclear detonations can have both E1 and E2.
In these cases, some of the electronic equipment or power grids that are protected from E2-type blasts could be disabled or destroyed when exposed to the deadly effects of the E1 blast.
It’s also important to note that the E2 comes right after the E1 blast. The secondary gamma rays and the high-energy scattered rays are produced after the reaction of the air molecules; the E2 blast comes after the E1 and lasts for a second. E2 EMP’s are considered as intermediate pulses.
- E3 Electromagnetic Pulse
The E3 blast is the longest-lasting of the three. It can either last for minutes, hours, or even days. It is also the slowest type due to its low frequency of 1 Hz or less.
It can be compared to that of natural geomagnetic storms that are produced by extreme solar flares. The sun is known to produce intense E3 pulses via coronal mass ejections (CMEs). You should know that the sun does not produce E1 or E2 EMPs.
Sources of EMP
There are 3 things that can cause EMP’s – solar storms, a nuclear blast (or something similar), and a lightning bolt.Lightning bolts are natural phenomenons. A lightning strike directly affects the electric current on all nearby cables and wires.
The resulting surge of enormous electricity can incapacitate all electronic devices, equipment, and appliances that are plugged into the electric wall sockets of your home. For this reason, most electricians and experts recommend using a surge protector to keep your electronic devices safe from lightning bolts.
CMEs come from the sun and are directly above us. This goes the same for high altitude nuclear detonations. EMPs release huge amounts of charged particles that interact with our Earth’s ionosphere, which is the atmosphere that contains electrically charged particles and electrons. The ionosphere is located between 30 to 500 miles above the Earth’s surface.
An EMP blast puts out a considerable amount of downward particle surge within the Earth’s ionosphere, creating tremendous electrical currents that have the power to short-circuit transformers, power grids, and other electronic devices.
In retrospect, E1 pulses can be generated by stars found in our galaxy, but we don’t have to worry about getting hit by one. The chances are so small that we have a greater chance of being hit by a large asteroid than getting hit with E1 pulses of surrounding stars.
Now, we are just left with nuclear-based and solar-based EMPs. We shouldn’t be worried about being hit by a nuclear EMP as long as those in power do what they can to prevent it from happening. Solar EMPs are different – they can and will happen sooner or later. Our sun produces CMEs in a regular manner.
Scientists have witnessed that the sun releases solar EMPs anywhere from one per 5 days to 3 per day. The solar EMP that reaches Earth may or may not have the strength to devastate mankind.
Most solar EMPs that reach Earth are usually pointing in a direction that will not have any significant effect on us. You should know that Earth has been hit with a few solar EMPs during the course of history.
The Effects of EMP
An EMP blast can affect those who are within line of sight – on the center point of the explosion. An EMP blast originating from California can affect the whole United States if it is large and high enough.
The short time interval between the type of EMP blasts amplifies the effect of the electromagnetic pulse. One issue of concern is the deadly E1 pulse. E1 pulses are fast, simultaneous, and generate high frequencies. Most preppers are worried about E1 waves because they are deadly and difficult to protect against.
They can potentially break down communication systems and civilized communities by disabling sensors, security components, electronic equipment, computers, and anything else that runs on electricity. The usual precautions against lightning bolts (power surge protection, etc) will not work because E1 pulses are quick and possess immense energy.
The resulting E2 pulses aren’t as potent as E1 waves, but they can enhance the damage that the E1 pulses have created. E3 pulses do the most damage in power supplies. They could delay or even halt power delivery systems carried by undersea and underground cables.
The doomsday scenario seen in most SHTF films is quite accurate. Today’s society is highly dependent on electrical systems for security, communication, and other day-to-day functions.
Now, imagine if an EMP blast disabled all types of electrical systems and electronics in less than a second. The United States will instantly be thrown back decades in terms of technology.
All modern conveniences such as computers, the internet, smartphones, microwave ovens, and TVs won’t work. Not only that, but some of the latest cars would instantly stop working and airplanes both commercial and private would fall out of the sky.
Think of how hard it would be to communicate with friends and loved ones and how difficult it would be to resume a normal life without the aid of electricity or computers.
Why You Should Worry About EMP
As mentioned before, America has grown so much in the field of technology thus it’s impossible to function without the use of computers and other electronic staples. This means that we are vulnerable to EMP attacks.
An EMP lights up the sky and causes blackouts. Electronic communication is halted. It becomes hard to transport food and other necessities. Transportation for medical emergencies will cease to exist. All vehicles – trucks, sports cars, and buses – will come to a complete stop.
Traffic lights won’t work. Computers and mobile phones will be shut off. The recent unrest in the Middle East and the production of bomb-grade plutonium and uranium bring us closer to the likelihood of an EMP pulse that could disrupt all civilization.
The threat of an EMP pulse should be taken seriously by the United States. Vigilance in terms of looking at other countries’ nuclear capacity should be done.
Remedies that could prevent or even counteract EMP attacks should be developed. These precautions should be done as soon as possible, or else we’ll suffer the deadly consequences.
Scientific Probability of an EMP Attack
How real is this EMP threat we’re talking about? It’s very real. National Homeland Security Executive Director Peter Vincent Pry was a part of the EMP Task Force and worked as a CIA staffer. You can read more about EMP by picking up his latest book “The Long Sunday”.
The US government is taking the right step towards preparation for possible EMP blasts. We have seen hearings on two separate occasions – one in 2012 and the other in 2014 about how EMP pulses from nuclear blasts or from the sun could negatively affect the U.S. infrastructure.
The EMP Commission stated before the Armed Services Committee in 2008 that the United States’ society and economy are highly dependent on electricity that collapse on the power grid via a man-made or natural EMP wave of a significant scale can certainly lead to disastrous civilian casualties.
The same conclusion was reached on separate reports made by the NAS, DOE, DHS, DOD, and other independent research facilities and government agencies. As of the moment, there are 11 unique government case studies on the vulnerabilities and threats the US has to face from GMD and EMP assaults.
EMP Threat Commission chairman Dr. William Graham has predicted that if an EMP attack were to knock out the power grid for a year, the human population will be reduced to 10%.
In addition, the Earth has been hit with significant EMP pulses before – and we can get hit again. The first ever recorded EMP wave was the Carrington Event in 1859 – this was the first recorded documentation of Earth being hit with a solar flare. On September 1, 11:18 am EDT, a solar astronomer named Richard Carrington witnessed the event through the use of a telescope.
The second instance was in 1962, named the Star Fish Prime experiment. The United States government launched a 1.4 megaton nuclear charge about 250 miles high above the Pacific Ocean. The test results were much stronger than anticipated – the pulse damaged microwave links and street lights in Hawaii – located 900 miles away.
The third time was the Soviet EMP test called Test 184, which was coincidentally around the same time as the Star Fish Prime experiment.
The nuclear warhead wasn’t as powerful as the Star Fish Prime explosion, but the test was conducted over the populated area of Kazakhstan (about 180 miles above ground). The EMP blast that resulted from Test 184 incapacitated a shielded, 600-mile underground power line buried 3 ft. below ground.
The final EMP event was a natural CME wave that hit Canada. In March of 1989, six million residents lost electricity for approximately 9 hours.
How to Prepare for an EMP Strike
There’s only so much we can do to counter the effects of EMP attacks. Even the best preppers may not know how to prepare against TEOTWAWKI events that have electromagnetic pulse aspects.
A well-stocked underground bunker about 35 feet or more below ground may provide enough protection to survive the initial blasts, but that’s about it.
Those who are caught completely unaware will have even lesser chances of surviving the cataclysmic event. The key is to prepare ahead of time and expect that the EMP attack will happen.
The protective measures and the costs needed to acquire them may be too much for some, but there are a few simple and straightforward methods to countering the effects. Practicing and honing the art of concealment and evasion will help against massive EMP attacks.
Consider Your Home Location
You can be certain that your sanctuary will be the target of refugees and looters after an EMP attack, thus it makes sense to fortify your home against these types of attacks. Homes in rural and suburban locations are especially vulnerable.
A small, close-knit community situated just behind large bodies of water can work together and collectively defend their territory. Home locations near military bases are excellent as long as the military base is active.
How Deep Should You Go?
A vacation house or a fortified remote location can prove to be effective against small bands of thieves and marauders, but the best type of defense for an EMP is digging approximately 30 ft underground for protection
As mentioned earlier, evasion is your best defense for EMP attacks; it allows you to survive as long as you are undetected by hostile forces.
It might not be a good idea to build your own underground bunker by teaming with like-minded individuals, friends, and relatives. Making it to the bunker should also be part of the plan.
Protect Your Electronic Devices
One of the best communication devices to have is a HAM radio. If you don’t have one, now is the best time to get one. Satellite phones and computers still have limited uses in a post-EMP society. Battery-operated medical equipment are also useful and valuable.
Preppers may insulate whole rooms from EMP waves or protect their most vital electronic equipment by investing in Faraday cages. You can even create DIY EMP shielding projects using copper mesh, aluminum foil, or Mylar products.
Study Health and Medicine
An EMP attack can put a premium on medicines and medical equipment. Those who have serious medical conditions should prepare for a rapidly-dwindling stock.
Most medicines will not be available, so you should prepare by seeking alternative preventive and medical care. Take a good look at your natural surroundings.
This is where most of your medicines will come from. Learn how to extract natural oils, herbs, and plants that can help you in cases of medical emergency. Moreover, your diet should help boost your immune system and overall health.
Water and Food Storage
These 3 commodities should be on top of any TEOTWAWKI situation. You should remember that air and heat are the biggest factors that can affect your food and water storage. Seal the grains in a vacuum-tight container and store them in a cool, dry place.
You will need plenty of water to survive long-term. The minimum consumption of water is a gallon a day for each person. If you can, go for a renewable source instead of stocking up on a year’s supply of potable water.
Tips For Surviving an EMP Attack
Tip Number 1: Don’t Ever Underestimate The Dangers of EMP
Staying alive entails never underestimating the situation you are in. The rules of survival will state this again and again. Plan an immediate route in the aftermath of an EMP assault. Death is a possibility if you hesitate for just a few seconds. Anything could happen. No one can tell what will happen next. Prepare for the worst.
Tip Number 2: Use All Your Available Money
You should understand that cash becomes one of the most useless resources if a SHTF happens. Preppers understand how the economy shifts to that of basic goods. Do what you can to trade your cash to essential survival items such as water, ammo, food, etc. Certain years of pennies older than 1982 can be left out as the copper inside them can prove to be invaluable.
Tip Number 3: Ration Your Food
Your survival stash of food and water should last for a year at the very least. When the EMP hits, start rationing the food because you’ll be sharing it with the other people.
Remember that no one is likely to survive End Of Day scenarios alone, but what you can do is control the food distribution until new sources are found.
No one wants to experience a terrifying EMP attack, much less surviving one. But we should all do our best to prepare for its eventuality if we want to make it out alive.
There’s a lot you can do now to prevent the struggle for precious resources. Most importantly, do your best to come up with a good plan.
I think the real truth about EMP’s is that no matter what your efforts are, they might work and they might not. You won’t know until it happens. But to prepare based on known techniques is least trying as opposed to not trying at all and being sorry for it. Let’s just hope we never find out for sure.
Remarkable article; extremely thorough info with stunning professional pics. A piece of art – Thank You!
Very informative.
Thx
I would not be so confident in mylar as a shield if an E1 event can penetrate shielded wire and 3 ft of earth.
even copper mesh will not protect across the entire frequency range over large quantity of power. solid metal containers “electrically” sealed and insulated inside and out, (do not ground the container) will diminish the effects a great deal.
Notice Halifax and Nova Scotia are outside of the modeled EMP strike area. Which is why i have my BOL in Cape Breton, NS. And no, it is not that cold there, as it is on the Gulf Stream. Lots of fishing, Americans can buy land there no problem at all, Canadian dollar worth 75 cents, it is the only area of Canada not in a housing boom (do NOT buy in Toronto or Vancouver!!!), well watered, fertile, can access by boat in a pinch, not that far from NYC, but of course no Americans will be going NORTH in a crisis, etc. etc.
Hit em were they ain’t N.S.is perfect. Plus, if there is no crisis, Halifax is a nice city. About a half million, two universities, an international airport with regular flights to Europe. What’s not to like?
Good article but you are mis informing everyone about pennies. They haven’t been made of copper for decades. They are 99.9% ZINC.
Modern pennies are zinc, yes. Certain years prior to 1982 are mostly copper – citation added. Thanks for pointing that out.
If a house had a metal roof and copper ground wires hooked up to the metal part would that prevent that cause the ENP to go into the ground just like it was grounded.
A typical mesh Faraday cage will not stop an EMP. They work good enough for standard radio and TV and lightning if grounded. EMP’s from an atomic blast is thousands if not millions of times more pressure than radio or TV’s and lightning. Example: If you had a Faraday cage made of mesh and you had a bucket of water (simulating EMP’s) and threw it at the cage and water got through the mesh, so can EMP’s. You would need an air tight (water tight if you will) enclosure of a solid material and thick enough to insulate from EMP’s, the smallest hole or crack would allow EMP’s to engulf the interior contents because of the high intensity electromagnet pulse, like being deep in the ocean with a leaky container but only much much faster since air does not hold back EMP’s.
Will a L.E.D flashlight work after a emp or should I get back to a good old krypton bulb in my mag light