How to survive an emp attack: What to Do in the Aftermath
Learn how to survive an emp attack. This guide covers essential strategies for protecting your family, securing food and water, and staying safe when modern conveniences disappear. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prepare now for the unexpected.
The Bug Out Bunker
8/13/20248 min read


I woke up to a world turned upside down.
My alarm didn't go off, my phone was dead, and the lights wouldn't turn on.
As I looked out the window, I saw cars stalled in the streets and everything was silent.
It hit me - we'd been hit by an electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
In that moment, I knew my knowledge of surviving an EMP would be crucial.
An EMP can destroy electronics and send us back to the pre-digital age in seconds.
It could come from a solar flare or a man-made attack.
The aftermath demands quick thinking and smart action.
As I thought about it, I realized being prepared after an EMP was essential to get through this crisis.
With power grids down and communication networks out, I had to act quickly. My training for disaster response kicked in as I checked what I needed - water, food, and shelter. The next days and weeks would be tough, but with the right knowledge and prep, we could make it.
Key Takeaways
EMPs can be caused by natural events or man-made attacks
Quick assessment of the situation is crucial for survival
Securing essential supplies should be a top priority
Communication networks may be down indefinitely
Knowledge of basic survival skills is vital in a post-EMP world
Understanding Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Events
Electromagnetic pulse events are a big threat to our modern life. They can mess up or destroy electronic systems. That's why we need good plans to deal with them.
Natural vs. Man-made EMPs
There are two kinds of EMPs: natural and man-made. Solar storms cause natural EMPs and can affect big parts of Earth. Man-made EMPs, like from nuclear bombs, can hit whole continents.
Potential Causes of EMPs
Solar storms are always a threat, but we worry about intentional EMP attacks too. This has made governments and groups work on getting ready for EMPs.
Effects on Electronic Devices and Infrastructure
An EMP can really hurt us. It can mess up power grids, communication, and transport. A big EMP could break electronic circuits over huge areas. This shows why we need strong plans to deal with EMPs.
"The threat of an EMP event is real and requires our immediate attention. We must prioritize emp blackout preparation to safeguard our critical infrastructure and way of life."
The U.S. government is taking action. In 2019, they signed an Executive Order for Resilience Against Electromagnetic Pulses. This order highlights the need for good EMP plans and getting ready for EMPs.
Immediate Actions After an EMP Strike
After an EMP strike, acting fast is key to survival. You need to plan and act quickly. I'll show you the key steps to take right after an EMP event.
Assessing the Situation
First, I quickly check my surroundings. I see which electronics work and which don't. If I'm not at home, I head back using cash for any buys.

Checking for Electrical Fires
EMPs can start electrical fires. So, I inspect my home well. I turn off all appliances and the main power to stop fires when the grid restarts. If I see smoke or fire, I use a fire extinguisher or leave the area fast.
Gathering Essential Supplies
Quick action is key in managing an EMP crisis. I collect these important items:
Non-perishable food
Bottled water
First-aid kit
Battery-powered radio
Flashlights and extra batteries
I start saving supplies right away, not knowing how long we'll be without power. I fill containers with water, but avoid tap water until it's safe. My battery-powered radio is crucial for news and updates on the EMP's effects.
Communication in a Post-EMP World
After an EMP, staying in touch is hard. Most modern ways to communicate might not work, leaving us looking for other options. It's key to have a plan for how to communicate after an EMP to stay safe and keep in touch with family.
Battery-powered radios and walkie-talkies might still work after an EMP. They can be key for getting updates and talking to family nearby. I always have walkie-talkies with new batteries ready in my emergency kit.
Emergency radios are crucial after an EMP. Hand-crank or solar-powered radios are great because they don't need the power grid. I got a top-notch emergency radio that can be charged in different ways, so I don't miss out on important news.
Be prepared, not scared. A well-thought-out communication plan can make all the difference in a post-EMP world.
Creating a family disaster plan is a must. This includes:
Predetermined meeting points
Alternative communication strategies
A list of important frequencies to monitor
Getting ready for communication issues ahead of time helps us stay connected when it counts. In a post-EMP world, old-school ways of communicating might be our best bet.
Securing Water and Food Sources
In a post-EMP world, having clean water and food is key. I've learned that getting ready means planning and knowing the right techniques.


Water Purification Methods
Keeping drinking water safely is my main goal. I use several ways to purify water after an EMP:
Boiling water for at least one minute
Using water purification tablets
Employing portable filtration systems
Food Preservation Techniques
To keep food fresh longer, I use these methods:
Canning fruits and vegetables
Drying meats and produce
Smoking fish and game
These methods help me keep a varied emp survival food storage. This way, I have enough nutrients for a long time.
Rationing Strategies
I follow strict rationing to make my supplies last. My plan includes:
Using perishables first
Switching between non-perishable items
Keeping portion sizes small
Adding foraged foods when I can
By using these strategies, I can make my emp survival food storage last longer. This increases my chances of surviving a long time after an EMP.
What to Do in an EMP Aftermath
When an EMP hits, making quick decisions is key to staying safe. I must decide whether to stay where I am or leave. This choice depends on my surroundings and what resources I have.
Shelter-in-Place or Bug Out?
In cities, things can get chaotic fast. If I'm in a city, I might need to bug out to a safer spot. But in rural areas, staying put might be safer. I think about my options, looking at things like:
How much food and water I have
How safe my current location is
Where I could go if I need to leave
Creating a Safe Haven
If I decide to stay, I work on making my home safe. I board up windows and hide important supplies. I make sure I have more than one way to leave quickly. A safe room is key, filled with what I need to survive.
Establishing a Routine
Keeping my mind healthy means having a daily routine. This includes:
Regular meal times
Set sleep hours
Checking my defenses daily
Exercising regularly
I also make sure to dig a latrine and have a place for trash. Being alert and ready is my new life after an EMP.
Transportation and Movement Post-EMP


Protecting and Using Surviving Electronics
After an EMP, keeping your electronics safe is key. Faraday cages are vital for protecting devices from EMPs. They shield your electronics, making sure they work when you need them.
Faraday Cages: Your Electronics' Shield
Faraday cages block electromagnetic waves. I suggest using them for radios, GPS units, and small generators. You can make a simple cage with metal containers or foil boxes.
Powering Through with Batteries
Battery-powered devices are crucial after an EMP. I keep rechargeable batteries and solar chargers ready. Hand-crank radios and flashlights are great for your collection.
Harnessing Alternative Power
Solar panels and portable generators offer reliable power. I have a small solar setup for my devices. Keep these in a faraday cage for best protection.
Using faraday cages and emp-proof electronics prepares you for a post-EMP world. Learn repair skills and stock up on parts to keep your devices running.
Health and Sanitation Concerns
In a post-EMP world, I face big health and sanitation challenges. Water treatment plants might not work, so I need to purify water myself. This is key for keeping healthy after an EMP.
I'm stocking up on water filters and learning how to purify water. This way, I can keep my water safe. Having a good supply of medicines and first aid items is also crucial.
Knowing some natural remedies is helpful too. Hospitals might not be available after an EMP, so I'm learning to handle minor health issues on my own.
Sanitation is very important in an EMP crisis to prevent diseases. I'm learning how to manage waste properly and keep my living area clean. This includes figuring out safe ways to dispose of trash and human waste when regular systems fail.
Mental health is also important. The stress of surviving an EMP can be overwhelming. I'm looking into ways to stay positive and keep my mind healthy. This includes reading, playing games, or having hobbies that don't need electricity. Taking care of my mental health is as important as my physical health in this situation.
FAQ
What is an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and how can it occur?
An EMP is a burst of energy that can harm electronic systems and infrastructure. It can happen naturally, like during solar storms, or be made by humans, like from a nuclear bomb high up in the air.
What are the potential effects of an EMP on electronic devices and infrastructure?
An EMP can mess up power grids, communication, and transportation systems. This leads to chaos and stops important services from working.
What are the immediate actions to take after an EMP strike?
First, get home safely. Use cash to buy supplies. Check for electrical fires and see if your electronics work. Don't use tap water. Fill up containers with water you can trust.
Listen to radios powered by batteries for news. Check your cars. Think about staying put or leaving based on the situation.
How can I communicate in a post-EMP world?
Most modern ways to communicate won't work after an EMP. But, radios and walkie-talkies that run on batteries might still work. It's good to have radios that you can power with hand-crank or the sun.
Make a plan with your family for where to meet and how to talk to each other. This is very important.
How can I secure water and food sources after an EMP event?
Make sure you can clean water by boiling it, using tablets, or filters. Keep food fresh by canning, drying, or smoking it. Start using your stored food right away, saving the long-term stuff for later.
Should I shelter in place or bug out after an EMP?
Whether to stay or leave depends on the situation. Cities might get very crowded, so leaving might be safer. Make your home safe by boarding up windows and hiding your supplies.
Try to keep a regular routine to stay calm and healthy.
How can I ensure transportation and movement after an EMP?
Cars with lots of electronics might not work after an EMP. But older cars might still go. If your car is okay, keep it hidden to stop it from getting stolen.
Using bikes is a good idea for getting around. Try to use less traveled roads when you need to move.
How can I protect and use surviving electronics after an EMP?
Use Faraday cages to keep important electronics safe from EMPs. Things that run on batteries or you power by hand are key. Solar panels and generators can give you power too.
Keep parts for your electronics and know how to fix them. This will help you use what you have longer.
What are the health and sanitation concerns in a post-EMP world?
Without working water treatment, clean water is crucial. Keep medicines and first aid kits on hand. Knowing about natural remedies can help.
Handling waste and keeping clean is important to stop diseases. Don't forget about your mental health.
Source Links
https://treehousedad.com/emp-attack-prepper-guide/ - EMP Attack Prepping Guide - Checklist, FAQs, Novel
https://www.wikihow.com/Survive-an-EMP - How to Survive an EMP: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/blogs/scout/15-steps-to-take-immediately-after-an-emp-event?srsltid=AfmBOooSTikfCHcfPSNVPYSDSkmku3HDXFyRHawPkyTBiOqQY0cOfOeE - 15 Steps to Take Immediately after an EMP Event - My Patriot Supply
Thanks and best regards
The Bug Out Bunker
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