In the world of prepping and survivalism, there's a prevailing myth that an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) can instantly turn vehicles into useless metal hulks, stranding their owners in a post-apocalyptic scenario. However, a closer look at the scientific evidence suggests that the impact of EMP on cars might be less dramatic than commonly believed. This article delves into the findings of the "Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack" to shed light on the actual effects of EMP on automobiles.
Excerpt from the Report: The "Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack" provides a valuable insight into the EMP resistance of cars. The report, which can be accessed here (Page 115), reveals that 37 cars ranging from 1986 to 2002 were tested in an EMP simulation laboratory. The results challenge the widely held belief that EMP renders all vehicles inoperable.
Key Findings:
Engine Off vs. Engine On Conditions:
The report indicates that automobiles subjected to EMP environments under both engine turned off and engine turned on conditions exhibited no effects if not turned on during EMP exposure.
The most serious effect observed on running automobiles was that the motors in three cars stopped at field strengths of approximately 30 kV/m or above. In a real EMP exposure, these vehicles would glide to a stop and require a restart.
Severity of Effects:
Only 10 percent or more of the tested automobiles experienced serious EMP effects, such as engine stall, at field levels below 25 kV/m.
About 25 cars exhibited malfunctions that were considered only a nuisance, such as blinking dashboard lights, which did not require driver intervention to correct.
Minimal Anomalies:
Eight out of the 37 cars tested did not exhibit any anomalous response to the EMP exposure, highlighting that a significant portion of vehicles may remain unaffected.
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, the evidence from the EMP simulation laboratory suggests that the impact of EMP on cars has been overrated. While some vehicles may experience issues, the majority are likely to remain operational even in the face of electromagnetic pulses. This information is crucial for preppers and survivalists considering bug-out vehicles, offering a more nuanced perspective on the real threats posed by EMP events. As we navigate the realm of preparedness, understanding the facts behind the myths becomes paramount for making informed decisions in times of crisis.
The "Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack"
Ahoy, fellow preppers! SailorLogan here, and I must commend the article for its thoroughness in debunking the EMP myth. As someone who's weathered the unpredictable storms of the Atlantic and seen the destructive power of nature firsthand, I appreciate the importance of understanding the real threats we face. Your findings from the EMP simulation laboratory echo my own research into the subject.
In my experience, prepping is as much about mental readiness as it is about physical preparedness. I've found that fear can often cloud judgment, leading to hasty decisions or overestimations of perceived threats - like the EMP-car myth. The danger of this myth lies not in an EMP itself, but in the false sense of security one might have believing their vehicle to be an invincible bug-out tool in all scenarios.
While my bug-out plan involves my trusty sailboat, I have considered land-based alternatives for scenarios where getting to the water may not be feasible. It's refreshing to know that my car, too, might not be rendered useless in the face of an EMP attack.
However, I'd like to add a note of caution. While this article rightly debunks the myth of total vehicular failure, it's essential to remember that EMP exposure could still result in minor malfunctions. In a survival situation, even a blinking dashboard light could be a distraction one can ill-afford.
Therefore, I'd suggest everyone to practice handling their vehicle under different scenarios of malfunction. Just as my family and I run drills on our sailboat, simulating various challenges we might face at sea, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with your vehicle's quirks and potential EMP-induced issues.
In the end, preparedness is about expecting the unexpected and being ready to adapt. This article serves as a valuable reminder that sometimes, the myths we hold may be as dangerous as the threats they represent.
Fair winds and following seas to all. Stay prepared!
Ahoy there, fellow preppers. James Winthrop dropping anchor here for a moment to weigh in on this enlightening piece. As a sailor and a survivalist, I've learned to steer clear of common myths that can lead one astray, and this EMP fallacy is a prime example.
Firstly, I'd like to commend the author for charting this course and debunking the EMP myth. Most of us preppers have a keen eye for detail, and it's refreshing to see the facts laid bare, just like the deck of my beloved Papillon under a clear sky.
Your findings echo my own experiences. On Papillon, our 1987 Norman Cross trimaran, we've installed an array of electronics, including a water desalination system and solar panels. We've been through some thick squalls, and our gear endured without a hitch, EMPs included. It's not quite the same as a lab test, but it's a testament to the resilience of well-built technology.
I reckon the real takeaway here is that preparation isn't just about gearing up. It's about understanding what we're up against. An EMP isn't going to send us back to the stone age, but it might just cause a hiccup or two. Just as we would when weathering a storm at sea, we need to stay calm, assess the situation, and act accordingly.
Finally, I'd encourage all my fellow preppers to delve deeper into this topic, just as we would chart a course in uncharted waters. The "Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack" is a good start, but there's always more to discover. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and remember: even the roughest seas provide the best sailors.
This is an insightful read, debunking a long-standing myth in the prepping community. As a seasoned prepper, I appreciate the fact-based and realistic approach to the EMP concern and it aligns well with my own experiences and research.
Your emphasis on the engine-on and engine-off conditions is critical and often overlooked. In my own prepping plan, I've considered both vehicular and nautical escape routes, and it's noteworthy that a sailboat, such as my 35-foot liveaboard, is inherently EMP-resistant due to its lack of complex electronics.
The point about the severity of effects is also well taken. It's essential to distinguish between catastrophic failure and minor annoyances, like blinking dashboard lights. As survivalists, we should be prepared to handle minor inconveniences and not overreact to every hiccup.
However, I think it is important to underscore that while many vehicles may be more resilient to EMPs than we initially thought, it doesn't negate the need for alternative bug-out plans. True preparedness involves having multiple contingency plans in place, not just relying on our vehicles.
In my opinion, it would be beneficial for readers if you expanded on the different ways to protect vehicles from EMPs, such as Faraday cages or even simpler methods like unplugging the battery.
Let's keep pushing the boundaries of our understanding and preparedness, folks. The wilderness of knowledge is vast, and we've got plenty more to explore!
Ahoy there, fellow sea-dogs and landlubbers alike! This old salt couldn’t help but weigh anchor and drop a line here, having read this intriguing piece about the EMP myth. I've spent the better part of a decade as a prepper, my survival instincts finely tuned to the rhythm of the sea, and this particular topic has always been a point of contention in our circles.
Allow me to steer this ship towards some practical insights garnered from years of living afloat. While I might not have an EMP simulator aboard my trusty 35-foot sailboat, I've certainly spent many a night navigating the choppy waters of prepping theories.
First off, kudos for debunking the myth that an EMP would transform all vehicles into useless hunks of metal. This broad-brush fear-mongering can often lead to ill-informed decisions, something we as preppers strive to avoid.
However, I can't help but wonder about the seaworthiness of my bug-out vessel under an EMP event. My sailboat, which I like to call my floating fortress, is equipped with solar panels and a water desalination system, both of which rely on electronics. The report doesn't delve into the effects on such systems, and I reckon that's an area we need to explore further.
Moreover, while it’s comforting to know most cars might only require a restart, let's not forget that in a survival scenario, every second counts. A stalled engine at the wrong moment could spell disaster. Thus, it's better to be prepared and have a plan B, like a good old bicycle or even a horse, if you can manage it.
In the end, in the vast ocean of survivalist knowledge, it's crucial to separate the myths from the facts, just as the article does. But let's also remember to extend our discussions to our bug-out vessels, which for some, like me, are floating homes. After all, the sea offers an alternative route to survival that's as old as humanity itself.
Stay prepared, me hearties, and always keep a weather eye on the horizon!
