CME & EMP Effect
The scenario: Any large city, USA
The sun can frequently produce Coronal Mass Ejections (CME’s). Our sun has produced the type on CME that could potentially cripple our power grid within the last 100 years.
A large CME has the strength to cause a surge of electricity in all electornic equipment that would fry wires, capacitors and other compents that are required for the device to function.
In short, Our electronics, power grid and vehicles may become useless for weeks if not months, depending on the extent of the damage. The problem would be worldwide.
Our sun exerts a large CME every few generations. This is not a frequent event that requires worry, but I will say that we are overdue.
Access external & internal conditions
- Security – Public shock and panic. Unreliable
- Air Quality – No immediate threats.
- Location Conditions – Possible fires from shorting devices.
- Electricity – Offline. Unreliable.
- Water – Offline, stations require electricity. Unreliable.
- Food – Not able to resupply. Unreliable.
- Grocery Stores – Packed. Unsure when shelves can. be restocked. Unreliable.
- Gas & Fuel – Offline, stations require electricity. Unreliable.
- Communication – Offline, requires electricity. Unreliable.
How long should this last
- Duration – From days to months.
- Security – With time, residents could become desperate. Unreliable.
- Air Quality – If we have to switch to gas/propane, Possible carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
- Location Conditions – With time, residents could become desperate. Unreliable.
- Electricity – Offline, generators may not work. Unreliable.
- Water – Public supply offline. Use manual cleaning methods. Unreliable.
- Food – Not able to resupply. Unreliable.
- Grocery Stores – Over run, dangerous. Unreliable.
- Gas & Fuel – Offline. Unreliable.
- Communication – Offline, requires electricity. Unreliable.
Should we leave or stay
Leave if:
- You can not maintain heat, do not have food, or can not purify water.
- Multiple residents start knocking at your door asking for help. It only takes one to start a frenzy. Only one to pull a gun and demand your goods.
Stay if:
- You can continue to warm, feed and provide water for your family.
- If you understand the security risk and are willing to defend yourself.
- You can not find a working vehicle. Traveling by foor is a large risk.
Where would I go
Find a family member or friend that has more resources than you do. You will have to pool resources so take anything of value that you may have.
Whenever venturing out of your home at this point take:
- Cash, in case the store does not have power.
- A method of defense. No explanation needed.
- A small B.O.B. Save space and conserve energy for hauling goods. You are limited to foot or bike travel.
Your absolute last option should be a public refugee shelter.
What can I do while I wait
Take advantage of every small opportunity.
- If the water turns on for a moment, Refill your water reserves. [Article]
- If the power turn on for a moment, charge your phone. Leave rechargeable batteries on constant charge, in case you need them. Heaters and stove on full power to heat the home as much as possible before power shuts off again. This also helps keep pipes in your inner and outer wall from freezing.
- Get your survival books out and start learning as much as you can. You need skills now!