Survival basics: 8 Things that will still work after an EMP attack

05/13/2024 / By HRS Editors

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a strong burst of energy that can destroy electronic devices. An EMP can be caused by a natural event, such as a lightning strike, or by man-made means, like a nuclear explosion.

If you’re worried about the possibility of an EMP attack, you can start preparing by learning which items will and won’t survive it. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)

Appliances

Appliances with a simple electromechanical motor, such as a refrigerator, washer, or dryer, will probably survive an EMP with little to no damage.

Some exceptions include appliances with solid-state electronic controls. For example, a fridge with a digital display panel telling you the temperature might be destroyed by an EMP.

Generally, newer appliances are more likely to have complicated control circuits and other electronic trickery. This means older appliances have an advantage.

The simpler their internals, the more likely they are to keep working after an EMP event.

Batteries

Primary cell and rechargeable batteries are likely to survive an EMP because the chemicals inside them are not affected by electromagnetic fields.

One exception to this rule is batteries that are still connected to an electrical grid. This means if your battery is plugged into a charger, the surge of power could destroy it.

Dirt bikes and off-road motorcycles

Off-road motorcycles may survive an EMP, especially those designed for driving through the backcountry and over rough terrain.

If you plan to use a motorcycle in a post-SHTF world, choose one that is off-road and can be converted to diesel. (Related: Prepper essentials: Tips for building an emergency prepping kit.)

Manual tools

Stock up on useful manual tools like a hand-operated can opener, manual mixer and Zeer clay pot fridge.

After an EMP causes an extended grid-down scenario, you will need other hand-powered items like a hand-operated grain mill, meat grinder and pasta maker for your kitchen.

For house repairs, get hand tools like:

A block sander
A hammer
A hand drill
Sandpaper
Saws
Screwdrivers

These hand tools will ensure that you can accomplish basic carpentry tasks and make repairs after SHTF. You might also want to get a brace and bit for drilling holes and driving screws.

Non-electric appliances

Appliances such as a solar oven for cooking and a wood stove or fireplace for heating will still work after an EMP event.

Without power in your home, you need a manual method for washing clothes, such as a hand plunger and buckets. You can also use a washboard with a tub and a hand clothes wringer.

Older electronics

Older electronics, such as tube radios and CRT TVs, are more likely to survive an EMP than newer appliances.

Older electronics do not have solid-state components that are vulnerable to electromagnetic fields. Vacuum tubes and other obsolete electronic components are highly resistant to EMPs.

Power tools

Corded or cordless power tools can still be used after an EMP. These tools have electric motors that are simple enough to be unaffected except by the most intense EMPs.

However, there are two exceptions:

Any solid-state switches will probably be destroyed outright, requiring a replacement or jury-rigging to fix.
Any tool or battery connected to the electrical grid through its charger. The surge of power that will flow into the tool or its power pack will fry it.

Some vehicles

Most vehicles won’t survive an EMP because of the number of delicate electronics that are in almost all modern cars.

According to a 2004 study by the U.S. EMP Commission, in the event of an EMP, an estimated 10 percent of the vehicles on the road will stop and “most likely cause accidents.”

Essential supplies for your prepping stockpile

The Health Ranger Store knows that it’s important to prepare for emergencies such as an EMP event, which is why we offer a preparedness collection to help you get started.

Get the Ranger Bucket Set – Organic Emergency Storable Food Supply for your stockpile so you have an emergency food supply that’s certified organic and laboratory verified. All the food items included in the set are organic, non-GMO, laboratory-tested for heavy metals and completely free of chemical ingredients such as MSG or preservatives.

All these products can be stored for up to 10 to 15 years, depending on storage conditions. The buckets contain an assortment of nutritious items, such as organic almonds, organic red lentils and organic quinoa.

The Ranger Bucket Organic Emergency Storable Food Supply offers great value for your money, and you can trust that it is thoroughly lab-tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbes.

You should also stock up on Health Ranger’s Nascent Iodine. Specially formulated for optimal absorption, this is a 2 percent strength stable iodine tincture that is lab-verified for potency and composition. Instead of a glycerin solution, it uses a solution of pure, USP-grade alcohol.

Go to EMP.news for more stories about EMPs and how they can affect the population. Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more supplies for your prepping, bug-out bag and survival needs.

Watch this clip about superfoods like Organic Beans and Whole Grains and how they can help boost your intake of dietary fiber.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.