Journal of Civil Defense 2009, Volume 42, Issue 4, “EMP”

Description

EMP

In this issue of the Journal of Civil Defense, learn about EMP, how to recognize it, how to prepare, and what you can do to encourage our government to act NOW and protect our power grid!

In a 2008 briefing to the House Armed Services Committee, a congressional commission reported that “EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold at risk the continued existence of civil society within the United States, and our ability to maintain national security and project military power anywhere it is needed . . . This threat also places our national economy and worldwide military
forces at risk.” Another distinguished scientist, Lowell Wood, said, “An electromagnetic pulse attack on the American homeland, is one of only a few ways that the United States could be defeated by its enemies– terrorist or otherwise, and it is probably the easiest.”

The report stated, “The loss of power beyond emergency power supplies may well cripple financial systems, telecommunication, health care, emergency response, government control, water and food supplies and other critical societal functions–a potentially
escalating rather than diminishing situation.”

After the briefing, Senator Jon Kyl reported, “Few if any people would die right away. But the loss of power would have a cascading effect on all aspects of U.S. society. Communication would be largely impossible. Lack of refrigeration would leave food rotting in warehouses, exacerbated by a lack of transportation as those vehicles still working simply ran out of gas (which is pumped by electricity).

An EMP would devastate our country and many, many people would perish. Infrastructure infrastructure impacts could include damage to fuel supply and refineries, the transportation system, water supply and sanitation, chemical plants, financial systems, health care, emergency response and “government integrity.”

In this issue of the Journal of Civil Defense, learn about EMP, how to recognize it, how to prepare, and what you can do to encourage our government to act and protect our electrical grid!

In This Issue:

3) Electromagnetic Pulse: Warnings to Congress

EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold at risk the continued existence of civil society within the U.S.

By TACDA Staff

4) Recognizing EMP

How will we know there has been an EMP?

By Chuck Fenwick

6) EMP & Facility Protection

Shielding equipment and “hardening” shelter rooms.

By TACDA Staff

9) Specifics of EMP Shielding for Home Shelters

Living a sheltered life the Swiss way.

By Paul Seyfried & Sharon Packer

11) Evacuation During an EMP Crisis

When and where will you go immediately following an EMP?

By Sharon Packer

13) A Look at How We Braced for the Worst

Renewed interest in LA county’s current disaster management program.

By Troy Anderson

15) Selecting Areas for Tornado Protection

The best strategies for seeking refuge during a tornado.

By Kirk Paradise

19) Lessons Learned from Hurricane Katrina

A first-hand account and tips you should know.

By Ken on the Gulf Coast

21) Telephone Tips to Support Your Emergency Communications Plan

From GetReadyGear.com

Related Content:

Journal of Civil Defense 2021, Vol. 56, I-2, The Threat of EMP