How to Prepare for an EMP Attack: The Complete Beginner’s Guide

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One pulse. No power. That’s the scary picture most people have when they hear the word EMP.

So what’s real, and what can you actually do at home? Honestly, a lot of it comes down to the same smart steps that help in any long blackout.

I dug through government reports and safety guides to build this beginner’s guide. Below you’ll learn how to prepare for an EMP in eight simple steps, plus the common mistakes to skip.

What Is an EMP, and How Likely Is One?

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a short, intense burst of electromagnetic energy. The Department of Energy says it can come from solar activity or from nuclear and other man-made devices.

The one people worry about most is a high-altitude EMP, or HEMP, from a nuclear blast far above the Earth. DOE officials have told the Senate that HEMP attacks could damage power equipment and affect grid reliability.

So how likely is it? Nobody knows for sure. A DOE report from Idaho National Laboratory covers known impacts and protections, and it also points out gaps in what we know.

Here’s a more down-to-earth risk. A 2014 Wall Street Journal report on a federal study said knocking out nine of the nation’s 55,000 substations could mean weeks, if not months, of darkness.

The DHS has also said an EMP or solar event could cause outages across wide areas for long periods.

The takeaway: don’t get stuck guessing the cause. Prepare for a long blackout and you’re covered for most scenarios.

What Would an EMP Really Do to Your Home, Car and Gadgets?

The honest answer is “it depends.” Pulse type, strength and distance all matter, and experts still debate the details.

The DOE also notes that pulses come in different types with different effects on equipment.

That last point is important. Those tested cars were older models, so you can’t assume a new vehicle would do the same.

That’s why I like to focus on outcomes: no power, no running water, no phone service. Plan for those, and you don’t need to predict exactly what breaks.

Step 1: Build a 72-Hour Plan and Kit

Start small. Ready.gov recommends a kit that covers at least three days.

Next, write a simple family plan on paper. Pick a meeting spot, list phone numbers by hand, and decide who does what.

My tip: once your three-day kit is done, grow it to two weeks, one small step at a time. That’s less overwhelming than buying everything at once.

Step 2: Protect Key Electronics With a DIY Faraday Cage

A Faraday cage is a conductive enclosure that blocks many electric fields. Gaps in it can weaken the shielding.

Common DIY choices are a metal trash can with a tight lid or a metal ammo can. Many people line the inside with cardboard so the devices don’t touch the metal.

What goes inside? Think of a short priority list: a backup hand-crank radio, a spare phone, a small solar charger, spare batteries and a flash drive with copies of your documents.

A big caution here. DIY cages aren’t lab-certified, and the DOE says there are still unknowns about EMP effects. Treat a Faraday cage as cheap insurance, not a guarantee.

Step 3: Store Safe Drinking Water

No power can mean no water pressure, and that gets serious fast. So water goes near the top of the list.

Store at least one gallon per person per day for three days. More is better.

If you run out, the CDC explains how to make water safe.

One more note from the CDC. Water contaminated with harmful chemicals can’t be made safe by boiling, disinfecting or filtering.

Step 4: Keep Your Food Safe and Stocked

Your fridge is a ticking clock. According to the USDA, it keeps food safe for about 4 hours without power if you keep the door shut.

A full freezer holds for up to 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24. And never taste food to decide if it’s safe!

Stock what you’ll actually eat. A pantry full of food nobody likes is just wasted money.

Step 5: Plan Ahead for Medications

This is the one area where I’d ask a professional, not the internet. I’m not a medical expert, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist about an emergency supply.

Insulin is a good example. The FDA has emergency storage guidance, and limits depend on the product.

A Cochrane review found opened human insulin can generally be kept at room temperature for about four to six weeks, but times vary.

Step 6: Stay Warm, Lit and Safe Without the Grid

Here’s where people get hurt. The CDC says carbon monoxide kills more than 500 Americans each year, and outages make it worse.

Never run a generator, grill or camp stove inside your home, garage or near doors, windows and vents. The CDC also says not to heat your home with a gas oven.

Simple, boring and safe beats clever every time.

Step 7: Prep Your Communications, Cash and Documents

If phones and cell towers go down, how will you get news or reach family? Have a plan that doesn’t rely on a charged phone.

A battery or hand-crank radio is on the Ready.gov kit list for good reason.

Step 8: Learn Low-Tech Skills (Where David’s Shield Fits)

Gear only gets you so far. Skills like keeping food, purifying water, and staying warm without electricity help in every long outage.

That’s the idea behind BlastProof: David’s Shield. According to the sales page, it’s a $67 program with Amish-inspired, non-electric methods and a 60-day money-back guarantee.

Here’s my honest take. It’s an organized way to learn basics, not a magic shield or guaranteed protection.

I haven’t read inside the guide, and some of its medical claims need checking with a professional. Read my full David’s Shield review before you decide.

Common EMP Prep Mistakes to Avoid

Most beginners trip on the same few things. Skip these and you’re ahead of the pack.

If you want a structured way to learn the low-tech skills, a beginner-friendly program can help. Just make sure it fits your budget and beliefs first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first thing to do to prepare for an EMP?

Build a 72-hour plan and kit. Start with water, food, light, a radio and medications.

Can a Faraday cage protect electronics from an EMP?

A well-sealed metal enclosure can block many electromagnetic fields. DIY versions vary a lot, so test yours and don’t rely on it alone.

Will my car work after an EMP?

In government lab tests of 37 vehicles, most kept running and three stalled. Newer cars have more electronics, so results could differ.

How much water should I store?

Ready.gov suggests at least one gallon per person per day for three days.

Is David’s Shield worth it?

For beginners on a budget, it can be a low-risk place to start, thanks to the 60-day guarantee. See my detailed review for the pros and cons.

Conclusion: Start Small, Start Today

Learning how to prepare for an EMP isn’t about panic. It’s about handling a long blackout calmly, with water, food, light, a radio, safe heat and a plan.

Add a DIY Faraday cage for your key electronics, but treat it as a bonus. Then build skills that work in any emergency.

If you want an organized place to learn, check out David’s Shield and use the 60-day guarantee to decide for yourself. And remember: the best time to start is today, with just one step.

Sources and Further Reading