I’ve been reading sci-fi stories about an EMP affecting the U.S.

Q: What is an EMP?
A: An electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic energy produced by a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere, considered capable of widespread damage to power lines, telecommunications, and electronic equipment. (I’ve also heard of an EMP occurring when the explosion happened naturally.)

No, I’m not a “prepper.” I haven’t gone over-board stocking up on stuff. Preppers prepare for the worst. Instead I hope for the best.

If an EMP were to hit us, the most noteable effect would be the lost of electricity for a loooonng while. We wouldn’t have the internet nor cell phones. Cars with electronic equipment wouldn’t run (and that’s most of the vehicles since the 1980’s.)

Here in Florida, we’d miss our A/C but that would be easier to endure than the northern states’ loss of power in the winter months when they’d need the heat from a furnace. (But northern states would have a way to use the outside to refrigerate. Here in Florida, we’d have thawed frozen foods, and no cold water.) Folks who are on insulin pumps, or oxygen, wouldn’t have those. Many would pass away. We’d all suffer.

I’m sure my golf cart wouldn’t run because it has too many electronic parts… And how could I charge it? A bike would work, but my balance is lousy. I am seriously looking for a three wheel trike. I’ve found several used ones but I want one that’s closeby or can be delivered. I’ll need to store it in my garage but I’m sure I can make room for it near my stored Christmas tree.

In the stories I read, folks sometimes get a weather warning if the EMP is the result of a natural solar event. But the scientists often under-estimate an approaching storm.

The chances of a powerful solar pulse hitting Earth are estimated approximately 12% within the next 10 years.

The more commonly feared attack would come from another country. Most people assume Russia or China would be the countries most likely to target the U.S. with an EMP. However, a promenent scientist believes North Korea is the more likely culprit.

The Japanese and South Korean military have held recent tests. It’s thought that the Korean test was to prep for an EMP attack because it was a burst set deliberately by the North Koreans at an altitude of 71 kilometers.

The higher the altitude of the missile, the wider the area of destruction.

As a result of an EMP, cars could/would be paralyzed. Airplanes could fall out of the sky. We’d have natural gas pipeline explosions, nuclear reactor overloads. And worst of all, if we had a protracted blackout, it would be a serious threat to the survival of the American people.

No electricity means no pumps to provide enough water needed to irrigate and grow crops; and since America has only a 30-day reserve food supply, 90 percent of the population would likely die within 1 or 2 years of the EMP attack.

A respected scientist said, “Sooner or later, somebody is going to try to do this,” and added, “I’m not saying it’s going to happen tomorrow, but at some point, it will happen.”

So what plans have I made for a possible EMP but I could also use if there’s a hurricane or other power loss?

In addition to getting a proposed three wheeled trike, I already have a camp stove and fuel that can be used inside, coolers, flashlights, battery operated radios, lots of batteries including some that will re-charge my computer and my cell phone and Kindle.

I have a back-up system for wi-fi if Spectrum is out.

I have large plastic bottles in the freezer (which could go in the refrigerator to help keep it cold), two manual can openers, canned food, and even a few bottles of water.

For lights, I have battery operated candles, regular candles, and flashlights. I think I even have some oil lamps and the oil for them.

I don’t have a generator. I know I’m not strong enough to move one around.

I may not be a “prepper,” but I try to always have the things I’ll need in case of a power failure from an EMP, a hurricane, or any other failure.

Today I bought a water filter which would make almost any water drinkable. I could always get water from the pond behind my condo. It was only $25 and will purify over a thousand gallons of cruddy water and make it drinkable.

I haven’t forgotton Sophie. I have several bags of dry dogfood, and lots of her regular canned stuff. There is also frozen Farmer’s Dog food in the garage’s refrigerator freezer.

I guess I’m in pretty good shape.

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I am going to look at a used tricycle this week. I need to measure it. I’d like it if I can fit it through a doorway. That way I could store it on my screened lanai. If it won’t fit, I am sure I have a place for it in the garage but the lanai would make accessing it easier.