After an EMP: What to Do First (Video + Reality Check)
A new hour-long video lists 11 things to do after an EMP. We separate the documented history (Starfish Prime, the EMP Commission) from the hype and give a practical plan.
A new hour-long video lists 11 things to do after an EMP. We separate the documented history (Starfish Prime, the EMP Commission) from the hype and give a practical plan.
Short answer: after a large electromagnetic pulse, assume power, phones and many electronics may be out for a long time. Secure water first, then food that needs no refrigeration, then light, communication and a plan to stay put. The video above from Survival Smart HQ lays out 11 steps; here is what the public record actually supports.
What the video claims, and what we could verify
The video description states that U.S. intelligence confirmed in 2025 that multiple adversaries hold EMP capability, and attributes a "90% unprepared" figure to the Congressional EMP Commission. We could not verify those specific statements and do not repeat them as fact. What is documented:
- Congress created the EMP Commission, which published reports in 2004 and 2008 warning that the U.S. grid and critical infrastructure are vulnerable to high-altitude EMP.
- In 1962, the U.S. Starfish Prime high-altitude nuclear test over the Pacific was followed by electrical disruptions in Hawaii, including streetlights. Read our Starfish Prime breakdown.
- The 1859 Carrington Event, a solar storm, disrupted telegraph systems worldwide. Natural geomagnetic storms are a related grid threat.
The practical post-EMP plan
Water first
Without power, pumped water may stop. Store bottled water and know how to disinfect more: the CDC says to add 8 drops of unscented 6% household bleach per gallon of clear water (6 drops if 8.25%), stir and wait 30 minutes.
Food that needs no fridge
Canned meat and fish, beans, rice and oats. Eat refrigerated food first, then move to the shelf.
Protect spare electronics
A spare radio, flashlight and power bank stored in a Faraday container is a low-cost hedge. Test your container with our Faraday bag test.
Stay put, check neighbors
Travel gets dangerous when traffic systems fail. Organize with neighbors instead.
Stock the shelf: shelf-stable picks from our Jamaica store
- Alberto White Rice 5lb
- Spam Classic 340g
- Caribbean Choice Baked Beans 400g
- Covebay Aluminum Foil 25ft
- Ajax Bleach 1.9L
- Clean Heart Spring Water 1.5L
Browse more pantry staples at jamaicaonlineshop.com, delivered islandwide in Jamaica.
Documented vs opinion
Documented: EMP Commission reports, Starfish Prime and the Carrington Event; CDC water disinfection guidance. Opinion: how likely an EMP attack is remains debated. The prep that covers an EMP also covers hurricanes and long outages, which is why we recommend it.
Sources
- Survival Smart HQ, "11 THINGS DO THIS QUICKLY After An EMP," YouTube, Oct. 20, 2026.
- Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack, 2004 and 2008.
- CDC, Making Water Safe in an Emergency: cdc.gov
Frequently asked questions
What should I do right after an EMP?
Secure water, switch to shelf-stable food, use protected backup electronics, stay put and coordinate with neighbors.
Is an EMP attack confirmed to be likely?
No one can say. The congressional EMP Commission warned of grid vulnerability, but the probability of an attack is debated.
How do I make water safe without power?
The CDC says to add 8 drops of unscented 6% bleach per gallon of clear water, stir, and wait 30 minutes.
The Knightly Report operates free from pharmaceutical conglomerates, government subsidies, or corporate party PACs. Every investigation is verified against official legislative hearings, federal data sets, or direct primary source documentation. If you spot a factual discrepancy, contact our editorial desk for verification.
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