What You Should EMP-Proof First: Protecting Your Critical Electronics
What You Should EMP-Proof First: Protecting Your Critical Electronics
With growing concerns about Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) threats—whether from solar flares, nuclear detonations, or high-altitude EMP weapons—it’s critical to protect your electronics. An EMP has the potential to fry electrical circuits in an instant, leaving you without power, communication, or key tools necessary for survival. The consequences of such an event could be catastrophic, but the good news is, you can take steps right now to prepare.
To shield your most important devices from an EMP event, it’s essential to identify which electronics matter most and how to properly protect them. Let’s walk through what you should EMP-proof first and why these devices are essential to your long-term survival and self-reliance.
What Happens During an EMP?
An EMP is a burst of electromagnetic radiation that can destroy electronic devices by overloading their circuits. If an EMP hits, anything that relies on electrical power could be disabled in an instant. This means cell phones, computers, radios, and even modern vehicles may become useless.
The threat of EMPs comes from both natural sources, like solar storms, and man-made events, such as nuclear explosions. Regardless of the source, the results are the same—your electronics won’t work, and the infrastructure that powers society will be crippled.
This makes it critical to protect your most important equipment and plan for life without electricity.
Top 5 Devices to EMP-Proof First
Here’s a list of the key electronics you should focus on protecting, along with the steps you can take to shield them from EMP damage:
1. Two-Way Radios and Communication Devices
When the grid goes down and cell phones no longer work, having a means of communication will be critical. Two-way radios or ham radios can help you stay in contact with loved ones or receive important news and updates during a crisis.
How to Protect:
Store radios in a Faraday cage or Faraday bag to block EMP waves.
Wrap the radio in aluminum foil (three layers for added protection) before storing it in the cage or bag.
2. Solar Chargers and Power Banks
If the power grid is fried in an EMP event, having a solar charger and power banks can help you keep essential devices like flashlights, radios, and small appliances running. Solar power is a long-term, renewable energy source that won’t be impacted by an EMP.
How to Protect:
Keep your solar chargers and power banks inside a Faraday cage when not in use.
Shielded, portable solar panels are available on the market, offering built-in EMP protection.
3. Flashlights and Headlamps
In the absence of power, having reliable lighting is essential for safety and survival. LED flashlights and headlamps are crucial tools in any preparedness kit, helping you navigate at night, work in the dark, or signal for help.
How to Protect:
Store your flashlights and extra batteries in a Faraday container to prevent EMP damage.
Rotate these devices periodically to ensure the batteries remain functional and charged.
4. Medical Devices
If you or a family member relies on electronic medical devices—such as a CPAP machine or blood sugar monitors—it’s vital to protect them. These devices can be life-saving, and their failure in an emergency could put health at serious risk.
How to Protect:
Use a Faraday cage to shield any backup medical devices.
Consider non-electric alternatives for certain devices if available.
5. Backup Laptops or Tablets (with Survival Data)
Your computer likely holds valuable information—such as survival guides, emergency plans, maps, and personal records. Having a backup laptop or tablet with these critical resources can make a huge difference when you can no longer rely on the internet.
How to Protect:
Store backup electronics in a Faraday cage or Faraday bag to ensure they remain operational.
Pre-load important files and survival PDFs onto these devices for offline use.
Bonus: Protect Your Vehicle
Modern vehicles are full of sensitive electronics that control everything from the engine to the navigation system. In the event of an EMP, many vehicles could be disabled, leaving you without a means to evacuate or move supplies.
How to Protect:
Consider owning an older, pre-1980s vehicle, which is less likely to be impacted by EMPs due to its simpler electronics.
For newer vehicles, keep spare critical electronic components (like the ECU) stored in a Faraday cage. You can swap these components out if your vehicle is damaged by an EMP.
How to Build a Faraday Cage
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your electronics from an EMP is by building a Faraday cage. A Faraday cage works by surrounding your devices with a conductive material that blocks external electromagnetic fields.
Materials You’ll Need:
A metal trash can with a tight-fitting lid
Aluminum foil
Cardboard or foam padding
Steps to Build a Faraday Cage:
Line the Inside of the trash can with cardboard or foam to prevent your electronics from touching the metal surface (direct contact can nullify the protection).
Wrap each device you want to protect in three layers of aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped electronics inside the lined trash can and secure the lid.
This simple DIY Faraday cage can protect your most important electronics from EMP damage, ensuring you’re not left in the dark when disaster strikes.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
In an increasingly uncertain world, EMP preparedness is no longer a fringe concern—it’s a vital part of any comprehensive survival plan. By protecting your critical electronics now, you’ll be better equipped to handle the immediate and long-term impacts of an EMP event.
Start with these essential items, build your Faraday cage, and rest easier knowing your preparedness efforts will help you weather whatever comes next.
