I do not think an EMP paulse would do that much damage. Most systems have lightning protection on them that can withstand a lot of power. Remember even a close lightning strict causes a large EM field around it and while some smaller systems and most portable equipment would be effected I think a lot of the fix systems would survive. But just to be shure I do store equipment not in use in a metal case.

Lets hope we never find out how bad an EMP pulse would be.

I did not start this thread to scare anyone, or convince people to build EMP shelters. I started it so people (in the US, mind you. Israel would never survive a direct nuclear strike) know what to expect. If you don't want this information, do not read it.

Climbing a high horse of how your level of preparedness is exactly right is hypocritical to the extreme, considering we are all "preparedness freaks" to the general public. You are not normal and not better than anyone else.

Throwing "whatcha gonna do?"s at me is a sign of weakness. Just because the task is immense, does not mean you should suddenly give up and wish you drank more beer in life. This is exactly, precisely the attitude of "normal" people towards disaster preparedness. Hey, it's an earthquake. Whatcha gonna do? I wouldn't want to live anyway. Nice, guys. Very nice.

Again, I'm not suggesting you sell your house to buy MREs. I'm not suggesting anything. I just want respect.

As for my reaction to an EMP (say the blast was distant, for some reason) it would be to help the authorities get the grid back up as soon as possible. If the government structure collapses, I intend to organize the community (battling the same "what's the point" sentiment along the way. Jesus, I can't believe I'm hearing it here) If there is no community left, I will go look for one.

I do not have loved ones to "spend time with", as if this day was my last. I do not have the option to "enjoy life" now. Some day, I hope to change it. No EMP, or volcano, or earthquake is going to rob me of that hope.

EMP events are definitely "on the list" of things disaster and anti-terrorism are concerned about. As someone who would likely be involved professionally with dealing with the consequences, I appreciated the useful information. Thanks for sharing it.

Jeff

Don't worry - we have this thing called insulation :p. Though I do bet you've never seen a furnace system quite like mine.

ARRL did some EMP-like testing and published articles in 1986.

EMP is not lightning, it is somewhat like it but lightning protective devices may not protect against EMP.
Likewise a metal house, unless built to milspecs for EMP may not be so good (though it ought to be better than nothing except that your powerlines, phone cables, and TV cable will carry the pulse into the shielded enclosure - oops.)

I have a CD full of articles about EMP we bought a couple of years ago. (don't know where from - I can't lay my hands on the source disc) Articles are US Govt testimony and studies and even tech manuals on how to build an EMP-safe facility. It might help to have some background in RF or electrical engineering since some if it is pretty deep theory.

I recommend doing some research before deciding everything will be ok.

Remember that soothing words were said about New Orleans' flood preps within the last decade.

I saw a tv show maybe on discovery channel, and the government guy said if an EMP pulse was about a mile up and over the USA, it would be lights out in North America.

The CD I mentioned is available on Amazon (rated 1 star)

The 21st Century Complete Guide to EMP Attack
Published by Progressive Management, October 2004.

The reviewer says it's a hodge podge. It is. But it has a number of interesting articles and handbooks. They just aren't easy to find in the hodge podge.


See also: http://www.khouse.org/articles/2005/585 for a more readable description of the situation.

It would have at least been plausible if you had said Russia. More tin foil anyone?

IMHO it would be prudent to make at least basic preps for an EMP event, most such preps would be useful for other problems as well.
To keep stocks of food, water, fuel, tools, clothing etc. is clearly prudent since any emergency, whether EMP related or not, is likely to disrupt normal supplies.

As regards preps specific to EMP, mine include spare radios, battery TV set,PV charge controllers,led lamps, and 12 volt flourescent lamps. All are stored in metal containers in a metal cupboard.
Since a nuclear detonation is the most likely source of an EMP event I also keep Geiger counters, which would also be useful in the event of a civilian nuclear accident.

EMP damages electronic equipment by inducing damaging voltages and currents in conductors.
Therefore anything connected to long wires or other conductors is more vulnerable. A landline telephone still in the suppliers carton is much less vulnerable than one connected to a phone line for example.
A P.V. charge controller connected by long wires to an array is far more vulnerable than one sitting on the shelf.