Preparing for an EMP at Zero Cost
1. Build a Knowledge Base
- Understand EMP Risks: Learn how an EMP could affect critical infrastructure like power, water, and communication.
- Learn Survival Basics: Focus on skills like starting a fire, purifying water, cooking without electricity, and basic first aid.
- Offline Guides: Download survival PDFs and guides while you still have internet access, and save them on devices that can be protected (see #4 on Faraday cages).
- Locate Natural Water Sources: Identify streams, rivers, or ponds near your home. Knowing where to find water is critical in case tap water stops flowing.
- DIY Filtration: Learn how to make water filters using sand, charcoal, and gravel. Practice boiling water as a purification method.
- Organize Your Pantry: Inventory your current food supplies and prioritize non-perishable items (canned food, rice, beans).
- Use Natural Preservation Methods: Learn how to dry or ferment food if refrigeration fails.
- Foraging: Research edible plants and mushrooms in your area. This knowledge could supplement your food supply in an extended crisis.
A Faraday cage can protect small electronics from an EMP. Here’s a zero-cost way to make one:
- Use a metal container you already own, like a tin box or an aluminum trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
- Line the inside with cardboard or cloth to prevent direct contact between your devices and the metal.
- Place small essential electronics (e.g., a radio, USB drives, a flashlight) inside. Even an old microwave can work as a Faraday cage if it's not plugged in.
- Local Networks: Build relationships with neighbors and your community. Shared resources and mutual aid are crucial in a long-term crisis.
- Learn Signal Codes: Familiarize yourself with low-tech communication methods like Morse code or flag signaling.
- Stock Candles and Batteries: Use what you already have at home for temporary light sources.
- Solar Energy: If you own small solar-powered devices (like garden lights), these may still work after an EMP. Repurpose them as makeshift chargers or lighting.
- Manual Transportation: If you own a bicycle, ensure it’s in good condition. It’s a reliable, non-electric mode of transport.
- Avoid Dependency on Fuel: Gas pumps rely on electricity, so plan for alternatives like walking or biking.
- Insulation: Use blankets, clothing layers, or even newspapers for warmth in cold weather.
- Solar Heating: If you have large windows, use them to trap heat during the day by leaving them uncovered and covering them at night to retain warmth.
- Assess Barter Value: Identify items in your home that could be valuable for trade in a long-term crisis (e.g., extra tools, canned food, hygiene supplies).
- Develop Skills: Skills like repairing equipment, gardening, or first aid are valuable trade assets.
- Practice Scenarios: Test living without electricity for a day or two to see where your gaps are and how you can adapt without spending money.
- Stay Positive: A resilient mindset is one of the most powerful tools you can have in any emergency.
