Electromagnetic Pulse Read online

  EMP

  Prepping for Tomorrow Series

  A Preparedness Guide by

  Bobby Akart

  &

  The Staff of Freedom Preppers

  Copyright Information

  © 2016 Freedom Preppers Inc. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Bobby Akart and Freedom Preppers Inc.

  NOTE: Throughout this book, numerous references will be made to the EMP Commission Report issued to Congress. We suggest you review the Executive Summary prior to reading this analysis contained in EMP: Electromagnetic Pulse. Afterwards, you will be returned to the Table of Contents.

  GO TO EMP Commission Report Executive Summary

  Contents

  Dedications

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  INTRODUCTION BY FREEDOM PREPPERS About EMP: Electromagnetic Pulse and the Prepping for Tomorrow Series

  Epigraph

  PART ONE WHAT IS AN ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE?

  Chapter One Let’s Get Technical

  Chapter Two What are the characteristics of a nuclear EMP?

  Chapter Three What are the differences between a Nuclear EMP, a CME, and an RF Weapon?

  PART TWO HISTORY OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE

  Chapter Four Significant Events in the History of EMP

  PART THREE PRESENT DAY USE OF EMP TECHNOLOGY

  Chapter Five Recent Events in the Use of EMP

  Chapter Six Technological Advances; Non-Military Uses

  Chapter Seven Military Uses

  PART FOUR THE THREAT IS REAL

  Chapter Eight Components of a Credible EMP Attack

  Chapter Nine The Players

  PART FIVE WHO IS RINGING THE CLARION BELL?

  Chapter Ten Respected Advocates

  Chapter Eleven The EMP Commission

  Chapter Twelve United States Policy Stance

  Chapter Thirteen Recent Legislative History

  Chapter Fourteen U. S. Department of Defense Preparations

  PART SIX THE AFTERMATH

  Chapter Fifteen A Collapse Event

  Chapter Sixteen Critical Infrastructure

  Chapter Seventeen Effects on People

  PART SEVEN EMP SHIELDING – FARADAY CAGES

  Chapter Eighteen Meet Michael Faraday

  Chapter Nineteen Introduction to the Faraday Cage

  Chapter Twenty Construct a Simple Faraday Cage

  Chapter Twenty-One Sophisticated Shielded Rooms

  Chapter Twenty-Two Shielded Cables, Cabinets and Accessories

  Chapter Twenty-Three Contents of your Faraday Cage

  PART EIGHT PREPARING FOR AN EMP ATTACK

  Chapter Twenty-Four Effects of an EMP on Vehicles

  Chapter Twenty-Five It’s Time to Get Ready for the Coming EMP Attack

  APPENDIX A Excerpt from The Loyal Nine

  APPENDIX B PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST Provided by www.FreedomPreppers.com

  APPENDIX C EMP COMMISSION REPORT, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

  Dedications

  To the love of my life, thank you for making the sacrifices necessary so I may pursue this dream.

  To the Princesses of the Palace, my little marauders in training, you have no idea how much happiness you bring to your Mommy and me.

  To my fellow preppers; never be ashamed of adopting a preparedness lifestyle.

  Acknowledgements

  Writing a book that is both informative, and entertaining requires a tremendous team effort. Writing is the easy part. For their efforts in making The Prepping for Tomorrow series a reality, I would like to thank Hristo Argirov Kovatliev for his incredible cover art, Sabrina Jean for making this important work reader-friendly, Stef Mcdaid for making this manuscript decipherable on so many formats, and The Team—whose advice, friendship and attention to detail is priceless.

  Thank you!

  About the Author

  An Amazon Top 100 Author and author of four #1 Bestsellers:

  CYBER WARFARE – #1 bestseller in eight categories including Politics, Social Sciences; Business, Money; Engineering, Transportation: Science, Technology' International Politics

  EMP: ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE – #1 bestseller in four categories including International Politics, Arms Control; Physics; Politics, Social Sciences; Engineering, Transportation

  SEEDS OF LIBERTY – #1 bestseller in three categories including Politics, Social Sciences; Modern History; Sociology

  EVIL, MEET OPPORTUNITY – #1 bestseller in two categories including Action, Adventure; Contemporary Fiction

  Bobby Akart has provided his readers a diverse range of topics that are both informative and entertaining. His attention to detail and impeccable research has allowed him to write bestselling books in several fiction and non-fiction genres.

  Born and raised in Tennessee, Bobby received his bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Economics and Political Science. He not only understands how the economy works, but the profound effect politics has on the economy as well. After completing his undergraduate degree at Tennessee in three years, he entered the dual-degree program, obtaining a Juris Doctor combined with an MBA—Master of Business Administration at the age of twenty-three.

  His education perfectly suited him for his legal career in banking, trusts, and investment banking. As his legal career flourished, business opportunities arose, including the operation of restaurants and the development of real estate. But after meeting and marrying the love of his life, they left the corporate world and developed online businesses.

  A life-changing event led them to Muddy Pond, Tennessee where he and his wife lead a self-sustainable, preparedness lifestyle. Bobby and his wife are unabashed preppers and share their expert knowledge of prepping via their website www.FreedomPreppers.com.

  Bobby lives in the back woods of the Cumberland Plateau with his wife and fellow author, Danni Elle, their two English bulldogs, aka the Princesses of the Palace, a variety of farm animals, thirteen Pekin ducks, a herd of a dozen bunnies, and counting.

  SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES and receive a FREE BOOK from one of his bestselling series. You can contact Bobby directly by email ([email protected]) or through his website www.BobbyAkart.com

  INTRODUCTION BY FREEDOM PREPPERS

  About EMP: Electromagnetic Pulse and the Prepping for Tomorrow Series

  Because you never know when the day before —

  is the day before.

  Prepare for tomorrow!

  Author Bobby Akart, the founder of Freedom Preppers, has been a tireless proponent of adopting a preparedness lifestyle. As he learned prepping tips and techniques, he shared them with others via his writing on the American Preppers Network website, and in his bestselling book series—The Boston Brahmin and Prepping for Tomorrow.

  In The Boston Brahmin series, political suspense collides with post-apocalyptic thriller fiction. Bobby’s attention to detail and real-world scenarios immerses the reader in a world of geopolitical machinations and post-apocalyptic drama. Preparedness skills and techniques are interwoven in the plot in way that the reader can be given a real-world scenario to envision.

  The Prepping for Tomorrow series is the culmination of Bobby’s research and real-world experiences provided in a concise guide for new and experienced preppers alike.

  Steven Konkoly, author of The Perseid Collapse Series, noted that Bobby has gone far above and beyond the call of duty to support and promote fellow authors. Steve added, “from the very first time I spoke with Bobby, I was impressed with his positive attitude and willingness to share. It’s th
e kind of selflessness that makes you wonder what’s the catch? Well, there is no catch! Bobby is just a stand-up guy—with many talents. Author Bobby Akart possesses the analytic capability of a supercomputer coupled with the expressiveness of an exceptional writer. EMP is eye-opening.”

  What if the preppers are right?

  The media shapes public opinion in all formats including news, cinema and television shows. It should come as no surprise that everyone doesn't necessarily form an opinion on every subject. Nor should you be shocked to hear that most opinions are uninformed. We can all give countless examples of this. Most Americans are sheeple, unable to think for themselves. They are content to follow, and many are too lazy to do the minimal research required to have an informed opinion. Their reliance on government or media sources for information makes them susceptible to manipulation. It's simply easier to be a sheeple.

  As a student of the preparedness lifestyle, I cringe at the media's portrayal of preppers. Initially, the brunt of the ridicule was directed at survivalists. But with the success of National Geographic's Doomsday Preppers, the concept of being a prepper hit the mainstream. Now Preppers are the target of the media's derision. I have my opinion as to why that is the case, and it has its basis in politics. It is my opinion that the media is predominantly left-leaning and, as a result, does not embrace the self-sufficient lifestyle that is prepping. So, if you can't join them, beat them down—repeatedly. As a recent example, consider the media's dismantling of the Tea Party movement. I see similar attacks on preppers.

  From the Associated Press: "Sandy Hook Shooter Comes from Prepper Family."

  From CBS: "Local 'Preppers' Stock Up For Improbable US Ebola Crisis."

  From Washington Post: "'Preppers' Convinced Yellowstone Volcano Spells Doom."

  But, what if the Preppers are right?

  What if?

  The Economy Collapses

  The United States economy can collapse as a result of our own government's mismanagement of our national debt or external factors such as a global financial meltdown, an attack on the US Dollar, and other predictable events. Why do you think the Federal Reserve is so frightened of raising interest rates despite apparent underlying inflation data? Our economy is a house of cards. We are just a few steps away from a collapse of the dollar and hyperinflation.

  History is replete with the rise and fall of empires. Are Americans so arrogant, or oblivious, to realize that we are in a stage of decline and collapse? Some of the signs of decline include a downward cultural spiral, an over-reliance on government and the inability to protect the integrity of a nation's borders. Sound familiar?

  All empires collapse eventually. There have been no exceptions in the history of humanity.

  None. All empires end when a more vigorous empire defeats them—or when their financing runs out.

  What if?

  Escalation of Global Conflict into a World War

  Let's compile a list of the strongest, most dangerous bad actors on the world geopolitical stage:

  Russia ~ China ~ North Korea ~ Iran ~ Syria ~ ISIS ~ Al Qaeda

  What do these seven geopolitical foes have in common? They both hate and disrespect the United States! Think of the Seven Deadly Sins: Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride. All of these relate to the attitudes of these bad actors towards the United States. Is it that far-fetched that one or more of these could band together to bring the mighty United States of America to its knees? Remember the words of the great Chinese General Sun Tzu — the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Except ISIS and Al Qaeda, the five nations comprising this group considers each other allies.

  The assassination of an Archduke precipitated World War I, but the underlying causes were geopolitical tensions in Europe. Twenty million people died during the war, followed by another seventy million post-war due to famine and the Spanish Flu. Are we naive to think that something like this couldn't happen again? Geopolitical tensions – sound familiar?

  Tensions arising from invasions of other sovereign territories around the world were the principal cause of World War II. It escalated into a global conflict with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, Russia has invaded Ukraine. China prepares to exert more of its dominance in Asia. ISIS is taking over large parts of the Middle East to form an Islamic State. Some might say— not our problem. But what if one of the bad actors mentioned above decide to make it our problem with an attack on the heartland along the lines of Pearl Harbor? Is that so implausible? Remember 9/11?

  What if?

  America is Attacked by Terrorists

  We are vulnerable to attack because of our desire to provide freedom to all Americans, but especially because of political correctness. We are not allowed to use racial profiling to identify a potential terrorist. Our southern border is a sieve. We refuse to ban flights from Ebola-stricken countries for fear of being labeled racist. Our military has been weakened by prolonged wars and budget cuts.

  Our enemies can come at us in so many ways. A day does not go by without news of a cyber-terrorism incident. What if these cyber attacks are just a series of trial runs before one massive, coordinated attack on our banking, governmental and utility servers? An electromagnetic pulse delivered by a nuclear warhead or a series of electromagnetic pulse weapons fired at strategic locations across the country could bring down our power grid. For the first time, Russia has more deployed nuclear assets than the United States does. Can you say outnumbered?

  What if?

  Widespread Pandemic or BioTerror

  Our government was intent on calming the fears of the American people as to the likelihood of the Ebola virus hitting US soil. The presence of the Ebola virus came as a result of bringing Ebola-stricken health care workers into the country. Keep in mind, that these were people who were experts in treating Ebola and who were provided all of the necessary equipment to prevent contracting Ebola. As the CDC was calming our fears, a Nigerian national flew into Dallas with Ebola, potentially infecting hundreds and ultimately dying while in the government's care.

  The question has to be asked—What is wrong with a little fear amongst the masses?

  Fear is a great motivator. It is designed to be compelling, so that we take survival action in the form of fight, flight, or freeze.

  In 1763, the British fortress at Fort Pitt in Delaware was under siege. Letters were exchanged between British General Jeffrey Amherst and Colonel Henry Bouquet as to proposed defensive tactics.

  General Amherst suggested: "Could it not be contrived to send the Smallpox among those disaffected tribes of Indians?"

  Weaponized smallpox. Is it not plausible that our enemies could weaponize Ebola? In the name of Jihad, is it not possible that one would contract the Ebola virus and enter the United States with the intention of creating a pandemic? The news outlets that raise these possibilities are labeled fear mongers and racists. But have you noticed that Amazon is selling out of particulate masks and other bio-hazard supplies? Fear is a great motivator.

  What if?

  Near Earth Object – SuperVolcano Eruption – Natural Disaster

  Any of the above naturally occurring events could wreak havoc on our power grid, our atmosphere, and our climate. These are not the catastrophic events known only in science fiction movies. There is a historical precedent for them all.

  A major earthquake along the New Madrid Fault in the central United States could collapse bridges over the Mississippi River. An earthquake of this magnitude, along the New Madrid happened before in 1811 and 1812. The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is comprised of eight states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.

  The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone (WVSZ) in southern Illinois and southeast Indiana, together with the East Tennessee Seismic Zone (ETSZ) in eastern Tennessee and northeastern Alabama, constitute a significant risk of moderate-to-severe earthquakes throughout the central region of the USA.

  Studies indicate that Tennessee will incur the h
ighest level of economic damage and societal impact. According to the Mid-America Earthquake Center, over 300,000 buildings would be moderately or more severely damaged, over 290,000 people would be displaced and well over 70,000 casualties would be expected. Total direct economic losses would surpass $56 billion. Those results focus on the immediate effects of the massive earthquake itself. As preppers, we consider the additional impact in the form of societal unrest — looting, death from sickness, and murder.

  The States of Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Illinois would also incur significant losses. Studies indicate a potential direct economic loss would reach over $150 billion.

  The indirect financial loss due to business interruption and loss of market share is at least as high, if not far greater than, the direct economic losses. Scientists and economists predict the total financial impact of a series of NMSZ earthquakes would be likely to constitute the highest loss due to a natural disaster in U.S. history.

  The economic losses and societal impact for each state should be considered separately. Since each scenario is based on a different hazard, adding results together will not reflect an accurate scenario. It’s hard to gauge the potential loss of life arising from a natural disaster of this magnitude.

  After the earthquake, critical infrastructure and lifelines will be heavily damaged and will be out of service for a considerable period. The resulting collapse of the power grid and transportation routes are likely to affect a region much larger than the eight states referenced above. Many hospitals nearest to the epicenter will not be able to care for its patients. Many of those injured during the disaster will have to be transported outside of the region for medical attention. Moreover, pre-disaster patients will be required to continue their care outside of the area, at fully functioning hospitals.