How Do You Tell If an EMP Has Occurred.
Did an EMP Just Happen. Here’s How You Can Tell
Let’s set the scene: You’re making coffee in the morning, scrolling through your phone, music playing in the background. Suddenly—everything goes dark. No lights, no notifications, no hum from your refrigerator. At first, you think it’s just a regular power outage. But then you realize your phone won’t turn on, your car won’t start, and the radio is silent. Is this just a blackout… or something much bigger.
If you’ve ever wondered how you’d know if an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) has just swept through your neighborhood—or even your country—you’re not alone. Our lives are deeply tied to electronics, and an EMP is one of the rare events that could knock out every last device, all at once. In this article, I’m going to help you understand what an EMP is, how to spot the signs that one has occurred, and what it could mean for you and your family. We’ll look at real-world examples, a few surprising stats, and expert advice so you can be prepared for the unexpected.
Let’s dive in—starting with the basics.
EMP Basics: What Is an Electromagnetic Pulse.
First off, what exactly is an EMP. In simple terms, an electromagnetic pulse is a burst of electromagnetic energy that can disrupt, damage, or destroy electronic equipment and electrical infrastructure. Think of it as a shockwave of energy that sweeps over everything, frying circuits, zapping microchips, and bringing our electronic world to a screeching halt.
What Causes an EMP.
EMPs can be caused by a few different sources:
- Nuclear Weapons: A nuclear explosion, especially one detonated high in the atmosphere, produces a powerful EMP capable of wiping out electronics over a huge area. government estimates that a single high-altitude nuclear EMP could affect electronics across the entire continental United States.
- Non-Nuclear Weapons: There are also specially designed devices—sometimes called “e-bombs”—that can generate EMPs without a nuclear blast. These are much smaller in scale but still dangerous for local electronics.
- Natural Sources: The sun isn’t always our friend. Massive solar flares, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can hit Earth’s magnetic field and cause geomagnetic storms. The most famous was the Carrington Event of 1859, which set telegraph offices on fire due to electrical surges.
Types of EMPs: Natural vs. Man-Made
It’s helpful to break EMPs down into two main categories:
- Natural EMPs: These are caused by solar activity. A major solar storm in 1989 knocked out power to six million people in Quebec for nine hours, and experts say a bigger event could do far more damage.
- Man-Made EMPs: Whether from nuclear detonations or specialized weapons, these EMPs are designed to target electronics.
Common Misconceptions
Movies love to show EMPs as dramatic, visible waves or huge explosions. In reality, EMPs are invisible—they travel at the speed of light and don’t make things explode.
You won’t see a “wall of energy” coming at you. Also, EMPs don’t directly harm people or animals; their main target is anything with a circuit board.
Why Should You Care.
You might be thinking, “Is this really something I need to worry about. ” Here’s why you should at least know the basics: According to a 2017 report by the U. EMP Commission, a large-scale EMP event could disable the power grid for months, affecting everything from food supply to healthcare and communication. Just imagine: Over 90% of Americans use electronic devices daily, and the Department of Homeland Security estimates that up to 70% of the U. power grid is vulnerable to a high-altitude EMP event.
Signs & Symptoms: How to Tell If an EMP Has Occurred
Alright, you know what an EMP is—so how would you actually know if one happened. Let’s look at the telltale signs.
Electronics Suddenly Stop Working
The most obvious symptom: electronic devices of all kinds fail, all at the same instant. Your phone won’t turn on, laptops are dead, and the microwave doesn’t beep. Even battery-powered devices like flashlights or portable radios might be affected, depending on the strength of the pulse.
Vehicles Stall or Won’t Start
Modern cars and trucks rely on sensitive computers to run. In an EMP event, these systems can be fried, causing cars to stall in the middle of the road or refuse to start at all. (Fun fact: Older cars—especially those built before the 1970s—are more likely to survive an EMP because they have simpler, less computerized engines. )
Power Grid Failure—But Not the Usual Kind
A regular blackout usually affects a neighborhood or a city block, and you might still see streetlights or hear distant sounds of life. After an EMP, the grid could be out everywhere you look. No lights, no working traffic signals, and even hospitals might be dark.
Radio Silence: No News, No Emergency Broadcasts
Usually, during a natural disaster or power outage, you can still tune in to news or weather updates. After an EMP, even emergency radios may be dead. The complete absence of information from all sources is a strong clue.
Physical Sensations (Rare)
With a nuclear EMP, some people have reported seeing a brief, bright flash or hearing a popping or static sound—though many won’t notice anything at all.
What Won’t Happen
Don’t expect Hollywood-style explosions or visible shockwaves. EMPs are silent and invisible—more like flipping a switch off for everything electronic at once.
Continuing from where we left off in Part 1, you now have a good grasp on what an EMP really is—and what it isn’t. Let’s dig deeper into the practical side: how to recognize the signs of an EMP in real life, and what you should do if you suspect one just happened. Then, we’ll back it all up with some real-world numbers and statistics that show how big a deal this can be.
What to Do Next: Immediate Steps After Suspecting an EMP
So, you’ve just witnessed a sudden electronic silence—the kind that makes your skin crawl because nothing seems to work.
If you’re thinking, “Wait… could this be an EMP. ”—here’s what you should do, step by step.
1. Stay Calm—Don’t Panic.
It sounds basic, but keeping your head is probably the single most important thing you can do. In the first few minutes after a suspected EMP, confusion and fear are natural. Take a deep breath and remember: panicking won’t fix anything, but a clear mind will help you make smart choices.
2. Check Multiple Devices and Sources
A regular power outage usually just kills the lights, and maybe your internet. With an EMP, it’s different. Try turning on a range of items:
- Battery-powered radios: If you’re lucky and your radio works, listen for emergency broadcasts. If it doesn’t even power on (with fresh batteries), that’s a red flag.
- Flashlights: Most simple flashlights survive because they lack delicate circuits, but high-tech LED ones might not.
- Vehicles: Try starting your car—if it’s newer (post-1980s), and it won’t even crank, that’s another clue.
By checking a variety of devices, you can quickly tell if the problem is just a routine outage or something more widespread.
3. Assess Your Safety and Immediate Needs
Once you’ve confirmed it’s more than just your house, turn your focus to basics:
- Water: Is your tap working. If not, do you have stored water.
- Shelter: Is your home safe and secure.
- First Aid: If anyone is injured (maybe from vehicles stalling suddenly), tend to them right away.
4. Connect with Neighbors and Your Community
Step outside and talk to your neighbors. Are their devices dead too. Are their cars immobilized. Getting quick input from those around you helps confirm whether the event is isolated or widespread—and gives you a support network in those first crucial hours.
5. Begin Using Prepped Supplies if Needed
This is where your emergency kit and backup plans shine. If you have battery-powered lanterns, water filters, non-perishable food, or even a hand-crank radio stashed away, now’s the time to pull them out.
6. Avoid Unnecessary Travel
If vehicles are down, roads could be blocked and emergency services may be overwhelmed (or offline). Unless there’s a dire need, it’s typically safest to stay put until you know more about the situation.
EMP Events by the Numbers: How Likely Is This, and How Bad Could It Get.
Alright, let’s step back from the “what to do” and look at some real-world statistics and historical EMP events.
Just how likely are these scenarios, and what has actually happened before.
Documented EMP Incidents
- Natural EMPs: The biggest on record is the 1859 Carrington Event, when a solar storm sent currents surging through telegraph lines and even set some offices on fire. If that happened today, Lloyd’s of London estimates the economic cost could top $2. 6 trillion globally.
- In 1989, a much smaller geomagnetic storm knocked out power to 6 million people in Quebec for 9 hours.
- Man-Made EMPs: During the 1962 “Starfish Prime” nuclear test, a high-altitude nuclear detonation above the Pacific disabled streetlights and communications in Hawaii—900 miles away from the blast.
Power Grid Vulnerability
- According to the U. Department of Homeland Security, up to 70% of the nation’s power grid is unprotected against a high-altitude EMP.
- A 2017 report from the U. EMP Commission warns that a nationwide blackout could last months—possibly up to a year for full power restoration, depending on the scale of the event.
Vehicles and Electronics
- The U. EMP Commission tested cars from various eras. Up to 10% of tested cars built after 1986 experienced stalling or permanent damage in EMP simulations—compared to virtually none among older, pre-1970s vehicles.
- It’s estimated that only 1 in 5 battery-powered radios would still work after a worst-case EMP, unless they were specifically protected (like inside a Faraday cage).
Solar Storms: Frequency and Impact
- NOAA reports that major solar storms like the 1989 Quebec event occur roughly once every 40-50 years, while massive events (like the Carrington Event) are likely in the range of once every 100-150 years.
- NASA’s “Solar Shield” project estimates that modern society would need at least weeks to months to recover from a Carrington-level event, depending on what’s knocked out.
Readiness and Response
- Only a fraction—less than 10%—of U. critical military and government infrastructure is specifically hardened against EMP.
- According to the Electric Infrastructure Security Council, just 3% of the U. electric grid is “EMP-hardened” as of 2024.
As you can see, while large-scale EMPs are rare, they’re
still possible—and their effects could be life-changing if one ever strikes. Now that you’ve seen what an EMP looks like in the real world and how authorities assess the risks, let’s lighten things up with some fascinating tidbits about EMPs that might just surprise you.
Fun Facts: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About EMPs
- First Noticed by Accident: The damaging effects of EMPs were first observed during high-altitude nuclear tests in the 1960s, surprising even the scientists involved. The 1962 Starfish Prime test knocked out streetlights in Hawaii—nearly 900 miles from the blast.
- Not Just Science Fiction: While EMPs are a staple of disaster movies, they’re a real-world concern for governments and power companies worldwide. In fact, several countries have official policies for EMP protection.
- The Sun Is the Biggest EMP Machine: The largest naturally occurring EMPs come from the sun. The Carrington Event of 1859 was so powerful it caused telegraph papers to burst into flames and auroras to be seen as far south as the Caribbean.
- EMP-Proof Devices Exist: Certain specialized electronics—like military or aerospace equipment—are “hardened” to resist EMPs. These devices are often shielded with Faraday cages or special materials.
- Your Old Car Might Be Your Best Bet: Pre-1970s vehicles, which use mechanical parts instead of electronics, are much less vulnerable to EMPs. So, that vintage truck in your garage. It might just get you through the aftermath.
- Simple Electronics Are Safer: Flashlights that use simple bulbs and basic circuitry are less likely to be affected by an EMP, compared to those high-tech LED models with microchips.
- You Can Build Your Own Faraday Cage: Wrapping devices in heavy-duty aluminum foil or storing them in a metal trash can with a tight lid can help protect against certain EMP effects. Many preppers do this with radios and spare phones.
- EMP Effects Move at Light Speed: Unlike most disasters, EMPs happen in the blink of an eye—the electromagnetic pulse spreads at the speed of light, so electronics are zapped almost instantly.
- The Military Runs Regular EMP Drills: The U. Department of Defense and NATO allies regularly run simulations and training on EMP scenarios to protect national security infrastructure.
- Animals and People Won’t Feel It: One of the biggest misconceptions is that EMPs are dangerous to living things. In reality, you won’t feel a thing—even as your phone and car die. The pulse only targets electronics.
Author Spotlight: Dr. Arthur Bradley
When it comes to EMP preparedness, few voices are as trustworthy or accessible as Dr. Arthur Bradley. An engineer, NASA scientist, and survival preparedness expert, Dr. Bradley is the author of “Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms,” one of the most practical and widely read guides on the topic. Bradley’s work bridges the gap between technical know-how and everyday readiness. He’s appeared on national news, consulted for government agencies, and maintains a popular blog and YouTube channel where he discusses EMP myths, Faraday cages, and step-by-step survival strategies.
One of Dr. Bradley’s key messages: you don’t need to live in fear, but understanding the risks and making a few simple preparations can make all the difference if the unexpected happens. His down-to-earth advice—like building a Faraday cage from a metal garbage can or stocking up on simple battery-powered gear—makes EMP prep accessible to everyone, not just hardcore survivalists.
If you want to dig deeper, check out Dr. Bradley’s website or grab a copy of his EMP preparedness books. His blend of scientific expertise and practical guidance makes him an essential read for anyone interested in resilient living.
Now that you’ve got the big picture, some jaw-dropping facts, and know who to trust for expert EMP advice, you might still have some burning questions. In the next section, we’ll tackle the most frequently asked questions about EMPs, from what’s really at risk to what you can do right now to be prepared. Let’s dive into the EMP FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions: How Do You Tell If an EMP Has Occurred.
After learning the basics, real-life symptoms, hard statistics, and a few surprising facts about EMPs, it’s time to clear up the most common questions people have. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, an avid prepper, or just EMP-curious, these answers will help you recognize, prepare for, and respond wisely to an EMP event.
1. How can I tell the difference between a regular power outage and an EMP event.
A standard blackout usually only affects your home or neighborhood—you might notice distant city lights, working cars, and functioning emergency radios.
With an EMP, everything electronic stops at once: cars won’t start, battery-powered devices with microchips may fail, and even emergency broadcasts are silent. If the outage is instant, total, and affects both plugged-in and battery-powered electronics over a wide area, an EMP is a strong possibility.
2. Do EMPs affect all electronics equally.
No. Devices with microchips and solid-state electronics—like smartphones, computers, modern cars, and advanced LED flashlights—are most vulnerable. Simpler devices (older cars, incandescent-bulb flashlights, wind-up clocks) tend to fare better. A battery-powered radio might survive, but only if it’s not plugged in and isn’t too “smart. ”
3. Will my car still work after an EMP.
It depends on its age and design. Cars built before the 1970s with minimal electronics often survive EMPs; newer vehicles with complex computers are at higher risk. EMP Commission found that some post-1986 vehicles stalled or wouldn’t start after a simulated EMP, but not all were disabled. If your car suddenly dies and can’t be restarted—while older models do fine—it’s a telltale sign.
4. Can an EMP directly harm people or animals.
No, you won’t “feel” an EMP. The energy targets electronics, not living tissue. As reassuring as it is, remember Psalm 46:1 (NKJV): “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ” Even in the darkest moments, we are protected from the unseen forces that threaten only our technology.
5. Is there any warning before an EMP.
Usually not. EMPs from nuclear detonations or solar storms travel at the speed of light, so you won’t see or hear them coming. For solar EMPs, space weather agencies may detect solar flares hours before they hit Earth, but warnings can be limited. For man-made EMPs, there’s no practical warning at all.
6. How likely is it for an EMP to happen in my lifetime.
Large-scale man-made EMPs are rare but possible. Solar storms occur more frequently; a Carrington-level event (the largest on record) may happen every 100-150 years. Smaller solar events happen every few decades. While not an everyday threat, it’s wise to be aware and prepared—just as you would for a tornado or earthquake.
7.
What should I do immediately if I suspect an EMP just happened.
Stay calm. Check a range of devices—phones, radios, cars—to confirm the widespread failure. Assess your immediate needs (water, shelter, first aid), and reach out to neighbors. Avoid unnecessary travel, and use stored supplies and low-tech tools. Refer to guides like those from Dr. Arthur Bradley for practical, step-by-step advice.
8. Can I protect my electronics from an EMP.
Yes. Devices stored in a proper Faraday cage (a sealed metal container, like an ammo can or metal trash bin with a tight lid) are shielded from EMP effects. Wrapping sensitive equipment in aluminum foil (with no gaps) can also help. Many preparedness experts recommend storing backup radios, flashlights, and even spare car electronics this way—just in case.
9. Are there organizations or experts who specialize in EMP preparedness.
Absolutely. Arthur Bradley is one of the leading voices in EMP and disaster preparedness. His website offers detailed guides, product reviews, and practical checklists for safeguarding your home and family. Additional resources include the Electric Infrastructure Security Council and Ready. gov’s disaster preparedness pages.
10. Where can I learn more or get updates about EMP-related threats.
For real-time alerts about space weather (solar EMPs), visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. For practical prep and technical deep-dives, Dr. Arthur Bradley’s blog and books are excellent. Staying connected with local emergency management offices also helps you stay informed and ready.
Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Prepared, Stay Hopeful
Recognizing the signs of an EMP—total electronic silence, dead vehicles, and a complete communication blackout—can mean the difference between confusion and calm action if disaster ever strikes. While EMPs are rare, the potential impact on our plugged-in world is profound. Fortunately, as we’ve learned in this series, there are clear steps you can take right now: understand how to diagnose an EMP, make simple preparations, and seek out trusted expert advice.
Above all, remember that while technology is fragile, your spirit and resilience are not. As Proverbs 22:3 (NKJV) wisely puts it, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. ” Take simple steps today—like building a Faraday cage, checking your emergency kit, and connecting with neighbors—to protect what matters most.
Ready to learn more or take your EMP preparedness to the next level. Dive into the resources at Dr. Arthur Bradley’s website, read up on practical EMP protection, and share this.