A modern day Carrington event is indeed a cause for considerable concern.
It seems unlikely to have any effect on portable electronics though. A solar storm induces damaging electric currents in LONG electrical conductors such as power transmission lines, telephone lines, pipelines, railroad tracks, and even long wire fences.
LONG metal conductors can be damaged as can articles connected thereto.
A railroad track should survive, but signals, and switch motors attached thereto might be destroyed.
A LONG metallic pipeline should survive, but fires may be started and controls and instruments destroyed.
Note that only LONG conductors are affected, miles long at least. Conductors inches long inside anything portable should be unaffected.
The consequences can be reduced by insulating inserts or joins in pipelines and railroad tracks.
When erecting a long wire fence, use the wire in the lengths in which it is supplied WITHOUT JOINTS. At the end of a roll of wire, fix it to the post, and fix the start of the new roll to the post some inches away. DO NOT twist or crimp the two together.
Storing portable electronics in a faraday cage is prudent in case of an EMP which a different phenomena.
An EMP is a result of a high altitude nuclear explosion, and induces damaging currents even in very short conductors, such as those within portable electronics.
A metal trash can gives SOME protection but only partial protection due to the loose fitting lid. I would prefer two layers of protection, for example placing items in a metal tin, and then placing this tin in a metal trash can or a metal cupboard.
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