EMP Commission Warns Catastrophic Consequences
December 29, 2011
First, the definition… An electromagnetic pulse (sometimes abbreviated EMP) is a burst of electromagnetic radiation. The abrupt pulse of electromagnetic radiation usually results from certain types of high energy explosions, especially a nuclear explosion, or from a suddenly fluctuating magnetic field (e.g. EMP-bomb). The resulting rapidly changing electric fields and magnetic fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage surges.
Public statements by physicists and engineers working in the EMP field of the United States EMP Commission determined that EMP protections are almost completely absent in the civilian infrastructure of the United States, and that even large sectors of the United States military services were no longer protected against EMP to the level that they were during the Cold War.
The following are excerpts from a report titled…
‘Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack (Critical National Infrastructures)’
…which is well worth a few minutes of your time to read. While no one can fully imagine the consequences of such an event, the fact is that the technology exists and weapons exist which could bring it to pass. Please consider the ramifications of your life if it were to be…
The physical and social fabric of the United States is sustained by a system of systems; a complex and dynamic network of interlocking and interdependent infrastructures (“critical national infrastructures”) whose harmonious functioning enables the myriad actions, transactions, and information flow that undergird the orderly conduct of civil society in this country. The vulnerability of these infrastructures to threats — deliberate, accidental, and acts of nature — is the focus of greatly heightened concern in the current era.
The electromagnetic pulse generated by a high altitude nuclear explosion is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences. The increasingly pervasive use of electronics of all forms represents the greatest source of vulnerability to attack by EMP. Electronics are used to control, communicate, compute, store, manage, and implement nearly every aspect of United States (U.S.) civilian systems. When a nuclear explosion occurs at high altitude, the EMP signal it produces will cover the wide geographic region within the line of sight of the detonation. This broad band, high amplitude EMP, when coupled into sensitive electronics, has the capability to produce widespread and long lasting disruption and damage to the critical infrastructures that underpin the fabric of U.S. society.
Some critical electrical power infrastructure components are no longer manufactured in the United States, and their acquisition ordinarily requires up to a year of lead time in routine circumstances. Damage to or loss of these components could leave significant parts of the electrical infrastructure out of service for periods measured in months to a year or more. There is a point in time at which the shortage or exhaustion of sustaining backup systems, including emergency power supplies, batteries, standby fuel supplies, communications, and manpower resources that can be mobilized, coordinated, and dispatched, together lead to a continuing degradation of critical infrastructures for a prolonged period of time.
Electrical power is necessary to support other critical infrastructures, including supply and distribution of water, food, fuel, communications, transport, financial transactions, emergency services, government services, and all other infrastructures supporting the national economy and welfare. Should significant parts of the electrical power infrastructure be lost for any substantial period of time, the Commission believes that the consequences are likely to be catastrophic, and many people may ultimately die for lack of the basic elements necessary to sustain life in dense urban and suburban communities. In fact, the Commission is deeply concerned that such impacts are likely in the event of an EMP attack unless practical steps are taken to provide protection for critical elements of the electric system and for rapid restoration of electric power, particularly to essential services. The recovery plans for the individual infrastructures currently in place essentially assume, at worst, limited upsets to the other infrastructures that are important to their operation. Such plans may be of little or no value in the wake of an EMP attack because of its long-duration effects on all infrastructures that rely on electricity or electronics.
The ability to recover from this situation is an area of great concern. The use of automated control systems has allowed many companies and agencies to operate effectively with small work forces. Thus, while manual control of some systems may be possible, the number of people knowledgeable enough to support manual operations is limited. Repair of physical damage is also constrained by a small work force. Many maintenance crews are sized to perform routine and preventive maintenance of high-reliability equipment. When repair or replacement is required that exceeds routine levels, arrangements are typically in place to augment crews from outside the affected area. However, due to the simultaneous, far-reaching effects from EMP, the anticipated augmenters likely will be occupied in their own areas. Thus, repairs normally requiring weeks of effort may require a much longer time than planned.
Cold War-style deterrence through mutual assured destruction is not likely to be an effective threat against potential protagonists that are either failing states or trans-national groups. Therefore, making preparations to manage the effects of an EMP attack, including understanding what has happened, maintaining situational awareness, having plans in place to recover, challenging and exercising those plans, and reducing vulnerabilities, is critical to reducing the consequences, and thus probability, of attack. The appropriate national-level approach should balance prevention, protection, and recovery.
Could you survive the ensuing chaos and life without electricity for a year?
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Angry Face on the Sun?
November 6, 2011
Thought you might find this interesting… While keeping an eye on the enormous sunspot region 1339 as it moves across the solar surface and begins to face the Earth – threatening to explode into a CME, I couldn’t help but notice the very extraordinary ‘face’ that has developed on the surface of the Sun.
This happened before, nearly exactly 11 months ago to the day, during Dec-8-2010.
The large sunspot that we posted about yesterday is the ‘right eye’ in the images (the ‘eye’ on the left as you face the image).
Just coincidence, or, is the Sun trying to warn us 
Real time images from the Solar Dynamics Observatory
Other than the interesting observation itself, from a preparedness standpoint, I challenge you to visualize what life would be like without our power grid. Although rare, a large enough Flare / CME could bring it down one day. All our eggs are in one basket… electricity.
CME, Coronal Mass Ejection, a very large emission of plasma from the sun, a large-scale solar event involving an ejection of hot plasma that may accelerate charged particles and travel as far as the Earth’s orbit, preceded by a shock front that may create a magnetic storm on Earth.
Our way of life has a single point of failure. There is one single point of failure for all of the systems that bring us our modern day way-of-life, and that is the power transmission system grid, or electric grid – electricity.
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Could This Enormous Sunspot Be THE ONE?
November 4, 2011
An enormous sunspot region is spinning into view on the surface of the Sun, the largest seen in many years. Out of nowhere, it appeared over the eastern limb and likely caused a gasp or two as it appeared into view. For those who understand the potential ramifications of solar power, ‘the power of the Sun’, we wonder if the next enormous sunspot could become a repeat of the 1859 Carrington Event – a sunspot region which produced a massive solar flare and Coronal Mass Ejection which if it had occurred today – would no doubt send us back into the stone age.
From a disaster and risk-awareness point of view, a Carrington type flare from the Sun is one of the handful of disaster scenarios that truly cause deep concern for a worst-case-scenario. Unfortunately most people do not understand the technical aspect of such an event, and therefore do not understand and are not aware of the risk and resultant chaos if such an event were to occur.
To sum it up in a very general way, what would happen would be close to the following…
A huge sunspot region would appear on the Sun, and would rotate across the surface until it is directly facing the Earth.
A massive X30+ solar flare and massive CME would explode from the sunspot region and hurl an unimaginable glob of electromagnetic energy towards the Earth.
The Earth’s magnetic shield would not be able to hold back the energy which would invisibly slam into power lines all across the world (after already having destroyed the orbiting Satellites).
Many or most of the electrical power grids would fail as countless transformers blow up all across the planet as the electrically induced currents of the CME overwhelm the capacity of the systems.
The rest of the story rapidly descends into massive human chaos as huge portions of power grid systems are doomed to failure for perhaps years, while at the same time many of the electronic systems are blown out including satellites, communication systems, and the financial system of commerce.
I’m not a nuke activist, but one of the scariest results of this scenario (other than mass chaos from millions of desperate people) would be the high number of nuclear power plants that would probably melt down after their emergency generator’s fuel ran out as the fuel distribution channels collapse, eventually exposing millions to deadly radiation.
You can question nearly any scientist and they will agree that there is no doubt that a Carrington event will occur again, and some believe that we may be overdue for such an event. The last time it occurred, THERE WAS NO POWER GRID. Today, our lives absolutely depend upon it. Think about it…
As the massive sunspot ‘AR1339′ rotates towards facing the Earth, we can only hope that this is not ‘the one’. We will find out for sure during the next week or two as it transits across the Earth-facing surface of the Sun. Don’t forget, we’re approaching the present solar-cycle maximum which is due to peak in 2012 – 2013.
Are you prepared? It certainly would be a near impossible task to do all the things necessary to assure your survival through such an event, but hopefully you will do your own research to discover that this threat is real, and hopefully it will cause some of you to take the first steps to being more prepared than you are today.
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Wind Power for your House, Home, Retreat
October 19, 2011
Wind power may be a good choice for some, when considering alternative energy sources for house and home, for either emergency preparedness or part-time power.
Some parts of the country (world) are much windier than others, with steady breezes just waiting to be harnessed. Geographical location is important while attempting to harness wind power, the best places being those with often steady breezes. For example, those who live along the ocean, breezy conditions are often part of daily life. Much of the open plains, or locations where winds are funneled through valleys are also often windy.
The following map of the United States shows favorable locations for wind power generation.
This next map of the US shows average wind speeds at a height of 80 meters, which is the common hub height of the ginormous wind generators (turbines) of wind farms that you may have seen along the landscape.
Global Wind Power Map
Looks like it’s pretty windy for you folks in the UK region! (lots of ‘red’, more than I thought)
Much of Australia is in the ‘yellow’ too.
The following 1,000 Watt wind generator (turbine) appears to be ideal for the home, and is much less costly per watt when compared to solar panels. Of course, the wind has to be blowing for it to generate electricity…
Windmax 1,000-Watt 24-Volt 5-Blade Residential Wind Generator Kit
1,000 watts could keep a bank of specialized batteries (heavy duty deep-cell for alternative energy storage) charged up for usage during periods when the breeze diminishes. Two of these wind generators (turbines) (2x $1K) would be equivalent to having ten 200-watt solar panels which themselves would probably cost you between $7K and $10K !
I currently enjoy the benefit of solar panels but do hope to add on a wind generator (turbine) at the new Retreat one day, and report back on the result.
The more you can do to become LESS dependent upon the grid, the better for you and your ‘risk insurance’.
How does a wind turbine work?
Incoming winds brush past the curved edges of the propeller, turning it as they go. The turning propeller rod connected to a gearbox translates a slow but high-torque turning motion into a very fast but low-torque motion which is connected to a generator, generating a continuous electrical charge.
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Best Selling Portable Generators
October 14, 2011
Alternative energy systems and portable backup power systems are (or should be) high on the priority list for overall preparedness. Nearly all of us (our devices/appliances) consume electricity in today’s modern world. During times of disaster our lives will be disrupted, but the disruption could be minimized if we still had access to electrical power.
Portable generators are a common solution to providing the electrical energy you may need after the grid goes down, or by being away from the grid. You still need fuel, but so long as you have it, you will have electricity.
Here is a short list of current best selling, best rated (4-stars or better) portable generators as listed with a popular online seller. I’ve also added the criteria of ‘free shipping’ since these can be slightly heavy…
There is a link at the bottom for an overall search, which may be helpful while determining what’s right for you.
I’ve only categorized these few by price range, so be aware of the power capabilities (WATTS). Generally speaking, the more expensive generators will be capable of more watts (thousands). Know what you need to power-up – and know the ‘watts’ of the items that you wish to power (usually listed somewhere on the appliance itself).
Other criteria for generators may be their noise level and ease of portability.
$100 – $200
ETQ TG1200 1,200 Watt 2 HP 2-Cycle Gas Powered Portable Generator
$200 – $300
ETQ TG12L31 1,800-Watt 2-1/2-HP 98cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Portable Generator
$300 – $400
Champion Power Equipment 46517 3,500 Watt 196cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Generator
$400 – $500
ETQ TG32P12CA 4,000 Watt 6.5 HP 210cc 4-Cycle OHV Gas Powered Generator
Search ALL generators, even if just for ideas and online reviews
Leave a comment with your own recommendation or experience with portable generators…
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After the EMP comes Nuclear Meltdown
September 15, 2011
An EMP (electro magnetic pulse), if big enough, will fry electronics, microelectronics, and will blow up transformers along the electrical power grid. Although a large nuclear blast high in the atmosphere will cause a wide ranging EMP affect, the most likely scenario of EMP devastation will come from our Sun. A monstrous solar flare. It certainly will happen, there is no doubt about that – even among scientists and government organizations. But… when…
The scenario:
First, high energy sunlight – mostly x-rays will ‘ionize’ (convert into ions, atoms or molecules with a net electric charge) Earth’s upper atmosphere, which will interfere with radio communications.
Next comes a radiation storm, potentially dangerous to unprotected astronauts.
Finally comes the real killer, a coronal mass ejection (CME), a slower moving cloud of charged particles that can take several days to reach the Earth. When a CME hits, the solar particles will interact with Earth’s magnetic field to produce powerful electromagnetic fluctuations. It is these fluctuations that will produce electrical currents in ‘conductive’ things here on Earth, such as our criss-crossing power lines suspended above our streets. As you may have witnessed during a powerful lightning strike, transformers will explode and burn up as these currents overload their design capacity.
The result:
Power across the land will be mostly gone. Satellites will be fried – no GPS, or communications. No cell phones. No working pumps for utilities or gasoline. No ATM’s. No modern day transactions or commerce. Distribution channels are closed. Transportation grinds to a halt. The clock is ticking towards chaos…
The power companies do have spare transformers. However, all reports indicate there are only fractional numbers available, and most studies indicate that it could take up to many years to resolve. By then of course, it will be a different world.
Nuclear Meltdown:
While civilization will rapidly deteriorate into chaos, the worst of it is just beginning to boil over. That is, the worlds 440 nuclear power plants (about 700 if you count all research reactors).
Nuclear reactors while running normally, are in a state of controlled meltdown as they heat water into steam which turns turbines that produce electricity. The only thing saving us from disaster is the constant supply of fresh cool water that keep the rods from melting down. The flow of water requires electricity and pumps, and working electronic systems to control them. If these systems are damaged, or the electricity is OFF, well, remember Fukushima??
Backup batteries will keep pumps running for a day or so. Diesel generators will keep pumps running as long as their is diesel fuel and spare parts on hand. The problem is, in our scenario the diesel fuel will run out (assuming that the generator works in the first place). Distribution will be down. Where will the fuel come from? Surely there will be some reactors saved, but common sense tells us that there will remain a very large number of nuclear plants that will suffer full-on meltdown. Imagine a hundred or more Fukushima’s – all at once.
There will hardly be a safe place on the planet should this occur. Soils will be permeated with radioactive particles, which when farmed will produce vegetables that glow in the dark – assuming that the Farmers are still alive. Top soils will need to be scraped off to access cleaner soils. Of course it will be much worse downwind from any nuclear plant. Unless you can survive underground for an extended period of time, living top side will be a life challenge, to say the least.
If you don’t think it can happen:
There will always be skeptics. Skepticism is a very good thing. However, do your own research and check on the 1859 Carrington Event. That solar event, had it occurred in modern time (and it will), it would have certainly produced results similar to the scenario above. These major solar events reportedly occur every 150 years or so. And, they can happen at any time, even during ‘off-peak’ of a solar cycle.
In conclusion:
The purpose of this article is NOT to fear monger, but to highlight your risk awareness of this eventual certainty. It may very well happen in your lifetime. Most people don’t think about these types of dangers or risks. I happen to think about them from time to time – must just be the way my brain is wired 
It is a good life insurance policy to factor risks into your life situation. A proportional amount of preparedness for various disaster scenarios is a very wise thing. In my opinion.
You may also be interested in USA – Safe Distance from Nuclear Power Plants
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US Power Grid
July 21, 2011US Power Grid
In the context of modern survival, electricity (the lack thereof) is near the top of the list of risks to our way of life, as it feeds systems that the majority of the population rely upon for their very survival.
If you really stop and think about the essence of what would or could cause real and life-threatening disaster, the loss of electricity or power grid failure is near or at the top of the list. It wouldn’t take much more than just a few days without electricity in major populous regions to bring on chaos and desperation.
Given the current heat wave that is occurring across much of the US at this time (yes, it is summer time), and the main-stream-media is reporting on the records and power consumption, it may be interesting to view some of the facts regarding the US power grid, where the power comes from, and what the power sources are that keep the systems of modern life running.
US Power Grid Sources Map
Nuclear, Coal, Gas, Hydro, Oil
US Power Plants Map
Nuclear, Coal, Gas, Hydro, Oil
What can you do to reduce your dependency upon the power grid? First, think about what supplies and services would not be available given a large scale power outage (the answer is, just about everything). You could stock up on extra food and water, you may consider sources of supplemental power such as solar, wind, battery backup, your own fossil fuel storage, propane – gas refrigeration, generator power, or other means of cooking, preparing food, preserving – storing food, access to water, sanitation, and countless other necessities of life.
Contemplate adapting for a period of time without electricity and think about what you would need to get by without it. Preparing for a short time, even a week or two, isn’t that difficult. Preparing for longer than a few weeks requires much more preparation, and the consideration of the likelihood that mass chaos and desperation will develop in your region.
The preparedness process begins by simply thinking about it…
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