What You Need to Know About an EMP Attack & How to Prepare

Imagine a world where all the modern technology we rely on suddenly stops working — no cell phones, no internet, no cars, no electricity, no way to communicate with anyone outside your immediate vicinity, and no social media (OMG!). While the last part was meant to bring some humor to this devastating scenario, this is the terrifying reality of an EMP attack, which has the potential to cripple our entire nation and plunge it into panic and total chaos.

While the likelihood of an EMP attack is typically low, in today’s climate, with everything going on between Russia, Ukraine, China, North Korea, and Iran, the possibility may be the highest we’ve ever seen it.

The consequences of an EMP attack would be absolutely catastrophic, making it crucial for individuals and governments to take steps to prepare and understand the threat. Unfortunately, in the event of an EMP attack on the US, don’t expect the government to come to your aid anytime soon (if at all). You need to understand what’s happening, how to react, and how to move forward.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what an EMP attack is, how to prepare for it, the level of threat it poses, and what you need to know about its capabilities.

Disclaimer: No, I’m not some tinfoil hat conspiracist, but as they say, “Conspiracy theorists are those who know things before everyone else understands what’s going on or what’s about to happen.” The reality is an EMP attack is a possibility, and I would rather put this information out for those who choose to prepare should it happen. If you think the government will come to save you, go ahead and find something else on the internet to look at.

What is an EMP?
What Would Happen If an EMP Were Set Off Above the US?
How High is the Probability That the US Will Encounter an EMP Attack?
Why Would Another Country Like Russia Utilize an EMP Attack?
How Long Would It Take the US to Recover from an EMP Attack?
Is the US Prepared for an EMP Attack?
What Countries Are Capable of an EMP Attack on the US?
How Can We Protect Our Homes and Electronics from an EMP Attack?
Products That Provide Protection from an EMP Attack

What is an EMP?

EMP stands for Electromagnetic Pulse, which refers to a burst of electromagnetic radiation that can cause damage to electronic devices and electrical systems. Various sources, such as nuclear explosions, solar flares, and human-made devices can cause EMPs.

In the case of a nuclear EMP attack, the radiation is generated by the explosion of a nuclear device way up high in the atmosphere, which sends out a pulse of energy that can cause widespread damage to electronic devices and electrical infrastructure, including power grids, communication systems, and transportation systems such as your vehicles. If this happens, you’re going to absolutely wish you had a Geiger counter to detect the radiation levels.

An EMP can also be generated by non-nuclear means, such as by using an EMP weapon, which uses a powerful burst of electromagnetic radiation to disrupt and destroy electronic systems and potentially the grid. EMP attacks are a concern for governments and military organizations due to the potential for widespread damage and disruption that they can cause.

What Would Happen If an EMP Were Set Off Above the US?

If an EMP were set off above the United States, the effects would depend on the actual source of the EMP, the altitude at which it was detonated, and the size of the affected area.

But the EMP attack was caused by a nuclear explosion at a high altitude, it could potentially damage or destroy electronic devices and electrical infrastructure over an incredibly wide area (such as a good portion of the US). The explosion would create a powerful electromagnetic pulse that could travel at the speed of light and induce electrical currents in any conductive material, including power lines, communication cables, and electronic devices.

The effects of an EMP attack could last for weeks, months, or even longer, depending on the severity of the damage and the ability of the affected areas to repair and replace their infrastructure. The long-term impact of an EMP attack could be catastrophic, particularly in densely populated areas where the loss of power and communication could lead to a breakdown in law and order, food and water shortages, and other social and economic disruptions. You could expect rioting, looting, and attacks on individuals to steal supplies.

Something to think about is without power, you have no electricity to light your homes. Nighttime would create significant challenges if someone were looking to break in and steal your supplies. Therefore, you must be prepared to defend your home, supplies, and family. Below are some articles we’ve published that I’d recommend you give a read:

How High is the Probability That the US Will Encounter an EMP Attack?

It is difficult to estimate the probability of an EMP attack on the United States, as it is dependent on a variety of factors, including geopolitical tensions, the capabilities of potential adversaries, and the likelihood of a natural EMP event (which I wouldn’t necessarily label an attack if it’s something like a solar flare).

That all being said, the possibility of an EMP attack by a state actor or terrorist group cannot be entirely ruled out, given the potential devastation that such an attack could cause. Some countries, such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran, have publicly discussed the possibility of using an EMP attack against the United States, and there are concerns about the development of new technologies that could make an EMP attack more feasible.

Let’s also not forget that we had China spy balloons floating across the nation gathering information, which were also said to be capable of carrying a heavy payload that could detonate an EMP over the United States. Being that we had no idea what the balloons were doing, an EMP attack could have very well been deployed against the US, and we would not have had even the slightest chance of stopping it prior.

The threat of a natural EMP event, such as a solar storm, is also a concern. While these events are relatively rare, they have occurred in the past and have the potential to cause significant damage to electronic devices and infrastructure.

While the probability of an EMP attack on the United States cannot be accurately predicted, it is clear that the potential consequences of such an attack are severe, and steps should be taken to improve the country’s resilience and preparedness to respond to this type of event.

With the current military capabilities of other countries, within around 30 minutes, another nation could fire a missile that could detonate above the US, creating an EMP situation and knocking out our grid. That’s a real likelihood and concern we should all understand.

Why Would Another Country Like Russia Utilize an EMP Attack?

Regarding the possibility of Russia (or even someone like North Korea) utilizing an EMP attack, it’s important to keep in mind that such an attack would have severe consequences not just for the targeted country but also for the entire world. An EMP attack could potentially lead to widespread power outages, communication disruptions, and even mass casualties if critical infrastructure systems such as hospitals or emergency services were affected.

Think about all the things that require electricity these days in order for us to live our lives. Everything from phones, microwaves, computers, ovens, refrigerators (which would be needed to keep medications such as insulin cool), freezers, vehicles, A/C units, HVAC units, fans, lifesaving equipment in hospitals, CPAP machines, and more. The list literally goes on and on. Imagine all of that was removed in the blink of an eye. What if you weren’t home at the time? How would you get home? How would you get your kids or be able to drive to the elderly in your family to ensure they are safe? How will you eat? What will you eat? Do you have water if the water stops running? Do you have flashlights and batteries? Do you have a generator? Do you think about these things? Because if not, you’ll be left in the dark (literally).

That being said, if a country like Russia were to consider an EMP attack, it could be for several reasons. One possible motivation could be as part of a larger military strategy aimed at disabling our military capabilities so that we couldn’t respond with our own missiles or (dare I say) nukes. By disrupting critical communication systems or destroying vital infrastructure, an EMP attack could render us more vulnerable to subsequent attacks or possible invasion.

Another possible motivation could be as a deterrent. If Russia were to deploy an EMP capability, they could use it as a threat to dissuade other countries from taking aggressive actions against it, knowing that any such actions could lead to devastating consequences.

However, it’s important to note that an EMP attack is a double-edged sword, and any country that uses it risks significant blowback from the international community, as well as the potential for unintended consequences. Therefore, while it’s possible that Russia or any other country could utilize an EMP attack on the US, it’s not a decision that would be taken lightly, and the potential risks and consequences would need to be carefully weighed before any action is taken.

How Long Would It Take the US to Recover from an EMP Attack?

The recovery time from an EMP attack would depend on the attack’s severity, the damage’s extent, and the affected areas’ preparedness. Recovering from an EMP attack could potentially take months, years, or even longer, depending on the scope of the damage and the ability of the affected areas to repair and replace their infrastructure.

In the immediate aftermath of an EMP attack, the priority would be to ensure the safety of the affected population and restore critical infrastructure, such as power grids, communication systems, and transportation networks. This could involve deploying emergency generators, repairing damaged infrastructure, and transporting food, water, and medical supplies to affected areas.

But again, I would not count on the government coming to your aid. They are going to protect themselves and their positions first. Don’t think for a minute that they don’t have bunkers to go into in the scenario of an EMP attack, and they’ll have all their needs met to stay in their bunkers for long periods of time without running out of supplies. They’re not going to be concerned about you or me.

Rebuilding the affected areas after an EMP attack would be a massive undertaking that could take many years to complete. This would involve repairing or replacing damaged power grids, communication systems, transportation networks, and other critical infrastructure. It would also require a significant investment in resources from the government and private sectors, such as skilled labor, construction materials, and financial support.

Is the US Prepared for an EMP Attack?

The level of preparedness of the United States for an EMP attack is a matter of debate among experts. While the government has taken some steps to prepare for the possibility of an EMP attack, there are still concerns about the overall readiness of the country to handle such an event.

If you were to ask my opinion (go ahead and ask), I’d tell you that we are not prepared. As we’ve seen in the news, our grid is unnervingly fragile. So much so that we had domestic attacks where people were shooting at critical pieces of infrastructure and caused major outages.

It’s said that we could go into a nationwide blackout if nine of our substations were attacked. That’s scary to think about.

The federal government has established several programs to improve the country’s resilience to EMPs, including the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack and the creation of the EMP Task Force within the Department of Defense. Additionally, the military has hardened some critical infrastructure against EMPs and has developed contingency plans for responding to an EMP attack.

However, there are concerns that many civilian infrastructure systems, such as power grids, communication systems, and transportation networks, are not adequately protected against EMPs. Additionally, there are concerns that many electronic devices used by individuals, such as smartphones and laptops, are vulnerable to EMPs and could be rendered useless in the event of an EMP attack.

Overall, it is difficult to say with certainty whether the United States is fully prepared for an EMP attack. While some efforts have been made to improve the country’s resilience to EMPs, there are still significant gaps in preparedness that need to be addressed.

If you want to be able to protect yourself, your family, and your community, below are inexpensive books by Joe Dolio that I have found to be loaded with helpful information that would be imperative should an EMP attack take place and we enter what many consider a “WORL” or “Without the Rule of Law” where everyone is essentially on their own.

What Countries Are Capable of an EMP Attack on the US?

Several countries are believed to have the capability to launch an EMP attack on the United States, either through a high-altitude nuclear detonation or other means. Some of these countries include:

1. Russia

Russia has a significant nuclear arsenal and has developed advanced weapons systems capable of delivering nuclear payloads to high-altitude locations, which could potentially be used to generate an EMP.

2. China

China is another country with a significant nuclear arsenal and has also developed advanced weapons systems that could be used to launch an EMP attack.

3. North Korea

North Korea has publicly stated its desire to use an EMP attack against the United States and has conducted several missile tests that suggest it is developing the capability to deliver a nuclear payload to high-altitude locations.

4. Iran

Iran has also expressed its desire to use an EMP attack against the United States and has been working to develop advanced missile technology that could be used to deliver a nuclear payload.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan is another country with nuclear capabilities and could potentially use a high-altitude nuclear detonation to generate an EMP.

It is worth noting that while these countries have the capability to launch an EMP attack on the United States, it is not certain that they would do so, as the consequences of such an attack could be severe and wide-ranging.

How Can We Protect Our Homes and Electronics from an EMP Attack?

Protecting homes and possessions from an EMP attack can be challenging, as the electromagnetic pulse can potentially damage or destroy electronic devices and electrical systems. However, there are some steps that individuals can take to reduce their vulnerability to an EMP attack.

Option 1

One option is to create a Faraday cage, which is a type of enclosure that can protect electronic devices from electromagnetic radiation. A Faraday cage can be made using a metal container, such as a metal trash can or metal filing cabinet, lined with an insulating material, such as cardboard or foam. Electronic devices can be stored inside the Faraday cage, shielding them from the effects of an EMP attack.

You can also purchase Faraday bags that you can load your electronics into to protect them.

In either case, that would also assume that you keep them in the cage or bag all the time to protect them from an EMP attack. A better plan may be to have backup electronics you can keep in a Faraday bag or cage, such as an emergency radio, old cell phones, old laptops or tablets, two-way radios, walkie-talkies, flashlights, batteries, battery packs, and other essential electronics you would need in the event of an EMP attack.

I will also provide some examples of Faraday options at the end of this article that you can consider if you have vital electronics you’d like to protect or to shield preps from an EMP attack.

Option 2

Another option is to purchase EMP-resistant devices, such as military-grade radios or electronic equipment designed for use in harsh environments. These devices are designed to be more resilient to the effects of electromagnetic radiation and may be less likely to be damaged or destroyed by an EMP attack. These items may cost more, but they come with the peace of mind that they would still work if anything were to happen.

Option 3

Individuals can also take steps to reduce their reliance on electronic devices and infrastructure. This may involve stockpiling non-perishable food and water supplies, learning to live off the grid, and developing self-sufficiency and emergency preparedness skills.

If you want some ideas of resources I have purchased, read, and highly recommend the below for this option of learning skills and being prepared:

Ultimately, protecting homes and possessions from an EMP attack requires a combination of preparedness, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. By taking proactive steps to reduce vulnerability to an EMP attack, individuals can increase their chances of surviving and recovering from this type of event.

Products That Provide Protection from an EMP Attack

There is no good outcome when it comes to an EMP attack. However, if you are prepared, you can fare better than most people who didn’t take the time to get their homes in order before an EMP attack.

While I have no affiliation with any of the products below, they are some that I have purchased, tried, and would recommend if you are considering ways to help protect your electronics, homes, and vehicles from being disabled and destroyed by an EMP attack.

Since I’ve never encountered an EMP attack, the items below that I’ve purchased for myself and that I recommend are truly based only on the research I have done and my trust in the product/brand/technology.

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