Ten things to do immediately after the lights & the smart phone are dead

An EMP (Electromotive Pulse) can occur naturally (like the 1859 Carrington Event) because of a nuclear blast in the stratosphere. This EMP energy pulse can destroy electrical components from micro-circuits to the power grid in less than a second. Government studies predict a major EMP Event that covers the US would
of a nuclear blast in the stratosphere. This EMP energy pulse can destroy electrical components from micro-circuits to the power grid in less than a second. Government studies predict a major EMP Event that covers the US would cause the death of over 90% of the affected population within 2 years.

This report is not for those who got the message and are prepared since they will know what they need to do at once. This report is for those who the prepared call sheeple.

The first indications you may notice of an EMP Event include:
A flash of the lightning, followed by the lights going out,
Cracks or pops from nearby electronics as capacitors explode,
Your smart phone or computer screen goes blank,
Your vehicle looses power & the dash goes dark.

After you confirm that something is drastically wrong, take a deep breath and look around. Your world has likely changed forever. Your social media followers, your job, your savings, your network of friends, and your life, will never be the same.

Unless you can get your shit together, the life you have remaining will be short, painful, and very unpleasant.

1. Confirm that you are in no immediate danger from fire or other threats, then think about what you will need to do to survive over the next month. A downtown high-rise in a city or a freeway on-ramp are not good places to be. What you will need to survive is access to water, food, shelter, and protection from those who would take what you have. If you must leave your present location, take any water, food, outerwear, cash, and defensive tools with you. Even a tire iron may convince a couple of thugs to seek easier prey. Don't wait to take action or for emergency services since those people will attempt to help themselves or their families. If you have to move out, be very aware, stay away from crowds, & keep moving.

2. When you are at your refuge destination, secure as much drinking water as you have storage containers available. Use plastic wrap, packing tape, or some other waterproof sealer to help seal the bathtub before filling it. If you have a weapon, take it with you to the nearest food store, with all the cash you have on hand. Since your vehicle will be dead (unless it's a 50's model or earlier), you will walk, so put on your best walking shoes. When you get there, (hopefully before the mob arrives) get inside and take a cart. If it's closed, break a window or glass door to gain entry. If its open, the remaining employees cannot ring up your purchases, and will most likely leave soon, or join you. You will find flashlights and batteries near the registers, take two larger LED flashlights and the batteries for them.
   Go directly to the sporting goods section. If they have guns and you are not armed, take a handgun (with ammo for it on the shelf), several boxes of ammo, a holster, and several spare magazines. The guns and cabinets will most likely be locked. You may need to get a hammer or bolt cutters from hardware to gain access, but don't delay. Your handgun choice should be a 9mm or higher, and you should load it and at least one magazine. If a long gun or shotgun with a sling and Ammo is available, load it and sling it on your back.
   Your next stop should be the grocery section, the canned meat isle, and fill 1/3 of your cart with Spam, tuna, sardines, beef stew, chili, and other canned meat. Then fill the next 1/3 cart with salt, vegetable oil, canned veggies, beans, packets of spices, instant coffee, and powdered juice (like Tang).
   The remaining cart space should be filled with powdered milk, rice, pasta, powdered potatoes, dried fruit, honey, liquid soap, and oatmeal (in compact packaging).
   On your way out, pick up multivitamins and as large a first aid kit as you can find.
   Remember, that your cart will be overloaded, and you should try to stay on the pavement. You should also keep a sharp lookout for threats from those that may want to take your cart. It might be a good idea to un-sling your long weapon at this point. Don't stop to talk with anyone on the way.

3. When you reach your refuge, unpack your cart, and survey what you have. Make a list of anything you can find that you still need (forget cigarettes, booze, and low-cal comfort foods). In the weeks ahead you will work very hard to stay alive. You will burn lots of calories and will need to keep them replaced to keep going. If the conditions at the store were not too dangerous, plan to make another trip. Don't delay. Because the shelves will soon empty and the danger will increase. Be sure to lock up before leaving and take your weapons with you. If you don't have a firearm, I don't suggest attempting a return if there was a crowd when you left.

4. When you return to the store, consult your list, and get those items first. Then, go back to the Sporting Goods section and pick up any freeze-dried or survival food still available. If space is still available on the cart, add camping and fishing gear as needed. On your way out the door pick up some more liquid soap and a quart of vodka for medicinal uses only. Stay aware on your way home.

5. Time to take stock of your present and future circumstances. The mob will become desperate over the next few days. The store shelves will be empty within 24 hours of the event. Hungry people will quickly become desperate, and will try to take what they need, without regard for property rights, laws, or their fellow man. The only way you will survive, is to keep a minimal profile. Show no lights, smoke, sounds, or cooking smells. Don't open your door when your neighbor knocks, unless he is your best friend, you trust him with your life, and you are willing to share your resources with him and his family. If you must go out, do it at night, and keep out of sight. Even if your location is not sustainable for a long-term retreat, you should plan to shelter in place for a few weeks. This action will reduce the numbers of desperate people you must avoid out in the countryside.

6. When the water no longer flows from the tap, you should have an alternative source in mind. There is water in your water heater and the toilet tanks You stopped using the toilets didn't you? A 5-gallon bucket can work, with a seat removed from an existing toilet. A pump sprayer and a washable rag can work when the toilet paper runs out. Empty the bucket in a deep hole each night.

7. If you have any potatoes left, save half for future planting in a dark cool place. Cut the remaining ones into quarters and plant them in locations that are not visible by your neighbors. Keep them watered, protected, and they can be a supplement to your carbs. Anything you can grow and harvest will add to your long-term survival prospects.

8. If you believe it will be necessary to hit the road sooner or later, now is the time to get ready for that eventuality. A mountain bike or a beach cruiser can offer you the ability to cover a lot of territory quickly and quietly. That type of bike is rugged, and with a trailer, can carry a fair amount of cargo. You should save the freeze-dried food for your departure, and live off the canned goods that will be too heavy to transport on the bike. If you don't have one, think about acquiring one, plus spare tubes, a tire pump, patch and toolkits, and a baby carrier trailer. After the box stores have been stripped, and the mob has departed, a nighttime recon may find a usable bike, even if it has flat tires. The accessories will likely still be on the shelf. Pick up a good pack while you are there if you don't already have one. You will need a minimal set of camping supplies (small tent, sleeping bag, cooking gear, a hatchet, fire-starting materials, a good knife, and a water container).

9. You should have a destination in mind before you depart, and don't expect to live off the land since the game will be long gone before you get there. A map of your destination area will be invaluable. You should consider a location away from major highways with some water available. In the post-EMP Event world, agriculture will be performed by manpower. Your best hope for long-term survival is to find a small remote farm, where they will let you work for room and board. If you can present yourself as non-threatening, willing to work hard, and help defend the farm, you may find a new home.

10. Survival after this kind of event will take luck, tenacity, and a willingness to do what ever must be done without support from the government, or anyone else. Our modern society will be destroyed, and a new dark age will cover the land. The weak, infirm, and unwilling will not survive the first year. The following year, pockets of self-sustaining people will emerge, and life will develop under a new normal. If you can become an asset that adds value to this new society, you will prosper and can live a good life. There will be no political correctness, or concern with justice or the feelings for the wolves that attempt to prey on the society. They will be dealt with brutally and permanently.
    If you are a female, the dangers and difficulties will be compounded. You are physically smaller and weaker, than most men, and probably less familiar with the skills needed for survival. You will be a target of the wolves that will be present in increasing numbers. A weapon, even if only a knife, and the willingness to use it, may be your only defense from violation and slavery. If you are in a relationship, consider it a blessing, and do everything in your power, to pull more than your own weight. There will be others, who are desperate, that will attempt to take your position.

If you are alone, a relationship with a less than optimum man is probably better than facing the alternatives without a partner.

I'm A.G. Kimbrough, Author and Publisher of several novels that tell the stories of people who survived, in spite of massive changes to their world. You can see my books on my Amazon Author's Page:

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008J28CME