Most EMPs emit gamma rays that overload tiny circuits in modern electronics. Computers, phones, and electrical grids will likely go out, but rudimentary electronics that rely on radio waves are unlikely to be affected. [2] X Research source Try not to panic. An EMP may be catastrophic to the electrical systems in the area, but the electromagnetic signal itself will not harm you. There is a very good chance everything will be fine. [3] X Research source This will likely only work if you have a battery-operated radio.
If the radio mentions a nuclear blast, stay where you are. Do not leave under any condition and get as low as you can in the building you’re in. Go to the basement, lowest level, or a room underground. The air is thinner the higher up you are and the nuclear gamma rays will impact you more easily if you’re up high. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you have a family, your first thought is likely how to find them and keep them safe. If your family has no emergency plan in place, nobody can fault you for making a break for your child’s school or your partner’s workplace. Once you have everyone, go home.
If you’re outside during a nuclear blast, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing in toxic particles. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source A bicycle is a great way to get around if you can’t take your vehicle out. Your vehicle may still work if it’s older or it doesn’t rely on a dedicated electrical signal outside of the battery to keep the engine going, which is the case for many vehicles. [8] X Research source You can drive it if you absolutely have to, but it’s safer to stay off of the roads if you can. [9] X Research source
Cover any open glasses or pitchers with flat objects to keep contaminants out of you water and keep the water out of direct sunlight as best as you can.
Anything in your fridge will be perfectly safe for 40 minutes after the power goes out. After that, things start to go bad. Don’t eat any food that develops a slimy texture, mold, an odor, or any discoloration after 2-4 hours. [12] X Trustworthy Source FoodSafety. gov Online portal combining food safety information from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Go to source If it’s cold outside and you can keep your food cool outdoors, pack everything into a cooler and set it outside.
You can store frozen goods outside in a cooler packed with ice if it’s cold out. Don’t eat anything that has completely thawed and may have started to go bad, especially if it’s uncooked meat.
For example, you may have everyone meet inside a shed in your backyard, assign the first family member that shows up to lock the room with your food in it, and wait for everyone to show up before going inside together. A large part of a disaster plan involves stockpiling food, tools, and other necessities. However, assigning responsibilities, setting a meeting location, and coming up with an immediate plan involves a group discussion if you live with others.
Anything that plugs into a wall socket won’t work. You must use battery-operated or hand-cranked radios. Get 2 radios that are different brands in the event that the EMP fries one of them. Don’t forget to stock up on batteries for the radios and walkie talkies!
There are Faraday bags you can buy that will protect electronics on the go. Power surges and lightning strikes can create voltage spikes and damage electronics. You can use surge arresters that prevent damage. When the arrester detects a voltage spike, it reroutes the voltage to the ground and saves the devices from being affected. If you do not have a surge arrester, unplug the devices from the wall outlet during storms.
An average adult needs 110 fluid ounces (3. 3 L) of water a day and roughly 2,400 calories a day. Add the total amount you need for your family to last 1 day then multiply it by 90 to determine how much food and water you need. The more food you can buy, the better. Ideally, you will stock up on a year’s worth of food
If you have extra space, dedicate it to extra food and water. You can never have enough in an emergency!
You don’t have to have a gun. A baseball bat, knife, or pepper spray will also serve your purposes during an emergency. Only use your weapon if you’re actively being attacked and your life is in danger. A gun or handheld weapon is always the last resort.
