Introduction
An EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) event can devastate modern infrastructure, rendering most electronic devices useless. To survive such a scenario, you need to prepare with items that are either non-electronic or protected from EMP damage. Here are ten essential items to include in your emergency kit, each with detailed instructions on how to prepare and use them effectively.
Faraday Cage
A Faraday cage is crucial for protecting your electronic devices from EMP damage. You can create one using a metal container, such as a microwave oven. Line the inside with a conductive material like copper mesh or aluminum foil. Ensure there are no gaps or holes in the lining. Place your devices inside the Faraday cage before the EMP event. Store items like flashlights, radios, and batteries inside. Test the Faraday cage by using a signal generator or a cell phone to ensure it blocks electromagnetic signals.
Solar Charger
A portable solar panel with battery storage is vital for generating power after an EMP. Choose a panel that can charge devices like radios and GPS units. Ensure the solar panel is compatible with your devices and has a built-in battery for storing excess energy. Place the solar panel in direct sunlight and connect it to your devices using the appropriate cables. Charge your devices daily to ensure they are always ready for use. Consider multiple panels to increase power generation capacity.
First Aid Kit
Your first aid kit should include tactical medical supplies such as tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, and antibiotics. Store these items in a waterproof container to protect them from moisture. Include a variety of bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers. Practice using the first aid kit in a mock emergency scenario to ensure you know how to use each item effectively. Regularly check the kit for expired items and replace them as needed.
Water Purification System
A portable water filter and chemical purification tablets are essential for ensuring a clean water supply. Carry a portable filter like a LifeStraw, which can remove bacteria and viruses from water. Also, include chemical purification tablets like iodine or chlorine dioxide. Boiling water is ineffective post-EMP due to the lack of power. Use the filter or tablets to purify water from natural sources like rivers or lakes. Always carry extra filters and tablets to ensure you have a backup supply.
Manual Can Opener
A manual can opener is essential for opening canned food without electricity. Choose a heavy-duty, rust-resistant model that can handle the toughest cans. Practice using the can opener regularly to ensure you can operate it efficiently. Store extra blades and replacement parts for the can opener in your emergency kit. Include a variety of canned foods in your emergency supplies, such as beans, vegetables, and meats.
Firestarter Kit
A firestarter kit should include magnesium fire starters, waterproof matches, and a ferro rod. Practice starting fires in wet conditions to ensure you can do so effectively. Store the firestarter kit in a waterproof container to protect it from moisture. Include extra tinder and kindling in your emergency supplies to help start fires. Use the fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling for rescue.
Emergency Radio
A hand-crank or solar-powered radio is essential for receiving news and weather updates. Choose a radio that can operate without electricity and has a long battery life. Test the radio regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. Store extra batteries and replacement parts for the radio in your emergency kit. Use the radio to stay informed about the situation and any updates from emergency services.
Cash and Barter Items
Physical currency and non-perishable trade goods are essential for post-EMP economic collapse. Store a variety of denominations of cash in a waterproof container. Include non-perishable trade goods like salt, sugar, and matches. Practice bartering with neighbors and friends to ensure you know how to negotiate effectively. Store extra trade goods in your emergency supplies to ensure you have a backup supply.
Maps and Navigation Tools
Paper maps, compasses, and a sextant are essential for navigation in a post-EMP world. Store these items in a waterproof container to protect them from moisture. Practice using the maps and navigation tools in a mock emergency scenario to ensure you know how to use them effectively. Include extra maps and tools in your emergency supplies to ensure you have a backup supply.
Survival Guidebook
A physical copy of a survival manual is essential for reference in emergencies. Choose a guidebook that covers a wide range of survival skills, such as ‘The Prepper’s Blueprint’. Store the guidebook in a waterproof container to protect it from moisture. Practice using the guidebook in a mock emergency scenario to ensure you know how to use it effectively. Include extra copies of the guidebook in your emergency supplies to ensure you have a backup supply.
Conclusion
Preparing for an EMP event requires careful consideration of the items you need to survive. By including a Faraday cage, solar charger, first aid kit, water purification system, manual can opener, firestarter kit, emergency radio, cash and barter items, maps and navigation tools, and a survival guidebook in your emergency kit, you can ensure you have the essential tools to survive in a post-EMP world.