EMP Blackout Grid Down Preparation Ideas To Start Working On As Soon As You Can

I want to start this article by saying this is not meant to frighten anyone. However, if you aren't prepared for an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) either by solar storm or by conflict, you may be in for a rough ride. If anyone has ever spent any time without power from a hurricane, snowstorm, earthquake or other natural disaster, they'll tell you how miserable it is. Food goes bad, it's too hot or cold, kids and pets get restless... you can take steps now to lessen the effects if this should happen, and I'll go over it with you below.

How will you prepare for a power outage?Photo byRichelleg

Keep Essentials Handy

The first step in being prepared for anything is stocking essentials that are life-saving in an emergency, especially non-perishable food and water supplies. These items serve as the mainstay of your emergency supplies box, guaranteeing that even in the event of outages, your family's basic needs will be met. Make sure to buy products with a long shelf life and that you'll actually eat.

Creating a first aid inventory is equally as important. Pharmacies without power aren't much good to anyone, so stocking what you know you'll need is only smart. Don't forget your pets, too.

Learn what medicinal plants around you can be used in place of OTC medications.

But I Don't Have Any Room For Stockpiles?

Although I didn't have a root cellar or pantry when I started, I still wanted to be as ready as I could be.

A metal trash can or a sizable plastic storage container can be used to make an inexpensive root cellar. Just the top of the container should be revealed when buried in the ground; for easier access, cover with a hinged lid.

Power outage suppliesPhoto byRichelleg

Straw can be used to line the inside, and root vegetables and seed storage can be placed inside. When there is a shortage of indoor space, this approach works well for storing produce because it doesn't require energy. Even in the deep south, if you take advantage of a little high ground and dig deep enough, you can reach geothermal temperature for storage. Yes, you'll have to watch that water table.

Waterfiltration and Retention

You'll need at least one gallon per person every day for at least two weeks. That's the bare minimum and doesn't include pets or livestock!

A few popular techniques for filtering water are boiling, activated carbon filtration, clay pot filtration, and sand filtration. You can utilize rainwater collection; just make sure you follow your local or state laws.

Natural disaster or EMP, be preparedPhoto byRichelleg

How About Power?

Grab a few LED flashlights that are rechargeable. Matches and lighters for cooking fires as well. Candles for backup. I use a few solar powered generators at the moment, but if an EMP strikes, these will be all but inoperable unless they're protected by a faraday cloth or cage. Like I said, candles! Moving water or wind can generate electricity as well, but your best bet is a small generator you can keep under an emp protection cloth or cage.

They also make hand cranks and bike-type devices that can generate power.

Off-Grid Communication

Maintaining open channels of communication during a grid-down is essential. Invest in a hand- or solar-powered emergency radio and keep extra batteries on hand for it, under a cloth or faraday cage if possible.

Establish a family communication plan with meeting places and important phone numbers. If finances are limited, consider walkie-talkies for close-quarters communication and satellite phones for trustworthy long-distance connections. Ham radios have a large range and significant community support; consider getting a license.

Gather your suppliesPhoto byRichelleg

In an emergency, make use of signaling tools including whistles, signal mirrors, and flares. Make sure you have rechargeable batteries and a solar charger or other means of recharging them. There's no guarantee any of these things will still work, but there's also no guarantee they won't.

How Can I Ensure My Family's Safety?

Your house should be a stronghold against intruders, particularly in the event that traditional security systems malfunction and the grid goes down. Make use of security bars and strong locks. To prevent break-ins, think about installing shatter-proof window films. Get a dog or three. Plant prickly bushes around windows, pretty ones like Holly. Use solar-powered motion detection lights. Look into books and online resources where people set up protection without power.

Assemble a safe space with necessary materials and discuss your plan with the entire family. Take into account self-defense tools like pepper spray, non-lethal weapons, and yes, legal firearms that are locked up safely with non-power locks and doors.

Have I overlooked something crucial?

Do you know of any other useful techniques or resources for becoming ready for a grid-down scenario? Tell me in the comments section below!

EMP's can happen anytimePhoto byRichelleg

Attributions:

Dad, T. (2024, March 14). EMP Attack Prepping Guide - Checklist, FAQs, Novel. Treehouse Dad. https://treehousedad.com/emp-attack-prepper-guide/

Murphy, R., & Murphy, R. (2023, February 9). 15 Steps to Take Immediately after an EMP Event. My Patriot Supply. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/blogs/scout/15-steps-to-take-immediately-after-an-emp-event?srsltid=AfmBOooEun7T46ua_1LFgy83wplRiGb-G_VOREtBdhyNZTkMFvUWsdfQ

DHS Combats Potential Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP). (2020, September 3). U.S. Department of Homeland.https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2020/09/03/dhs-combats-potential-electromagnetic-pulse-emp-attack