Ask a Prepper
ask a prepper survival every day
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
  • Home
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Prepping
  • Survival
  • How To’s
  • Food
  • Store
  • Staff
  • About Claude Davis
  • Home
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Prepping
  • Survival
  • How To’s
  • Food
  • Store
  • Staff
  • About Claude Davis
No Result
View All Result
Ask a Prepper
No Result
View All Result
Home Prepping
15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMP

15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMP

James Walton by James Walton
July 9, 2024
14
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Until that day comes, and it will come, it is almost impossible for us to wrap our head around the effects of a massive EMP on our lives.

We have built a technological society that all depends on the sun’s CMESs missing our planet and our satellites time and time again. It’s like some kind of strange galactic Russian roulette.

Even if the enemies of freedom don’t use nuclear capabilities to debilitate or totally wreck the power grid, eventually the sun is going to hit us with a powerful CME and the subsequent EMP is going to power down billions of people.

What happens next?

Well, we get to see a worldwide experiment in adaptability. As many of you already know, it won’t be pretty.

However, there are some things you can learn to DIY that will make a post grid life much easier to live. Not to mention, you might make the jump to off grid living on your own accord.

Home Systems

Plumbing

15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMPBasic plumbing is essential even if you are not planning on using water from the grid. Knowing how to move water around a home and a property has to be something that you can DIY.

With the right tools managing plumbing systems can be much easier than you think.

I would stockpile plumbers cement, channel locks, shark bites, and a variety of fittings.

Electrical

It’s true that the power grid could be dramatically affected by an EMP. The major sources of electricity may no longer be producing power. Still, with a basic understanding of how to wire a circuit, how to use a charge controller, and how to rig some solar panels then you could DIY your own electrical system.

You can use this step-by-step guide to build your own backyard power plant for 24/7 free electricity. Of course, you don’t have to wait for an EMP to start taking advantage of this knowledge.

By building your own power plant now, you can save money, become more self-sufficient, and ensure you have a reliable source of energy no matter what happens.

Doors and Windows

Access points into your home are always going to be important after an EMP.

Learn how to frame windows and replace panes.

Remember, if things get crazy these are your man entryways into the home.

You do not want them to be damaged or inoperable.

Also, knowing how to fortify windows and doors is a great bit of learning.

Waste Management

Human Waste

There are some things that won’t stop just because an EMP occurs. One is human waste.

However, when your septic system or your water system gets backed up you will need an answer. A DIY human waste solution can be as simple as a 5-gallon bucket with a lid on it and enough saw dust or peat moss to cover up the waste after each use.

Related: 12 Plants That Make Soft Toilet Paper

This mixture can even become the basis for humanure composting, should you be so inclined.

Craftsman Skills

Manipulating Metal

15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMPIn order to manipulate metal, you need heat, and you need hammers. It doesn’t hurt to have some tongs and an anvil. Just being able to heat and bend metal can solve all kinds of problems. You can fix locks, make tent stakes, metal bars for windows, hangers, hooks, even nails. Simple blacksmithing is not nearly as hard as you might think.

If you can bend metal, forge weld tools, and make knives then you are going to be a very valuable person post EMP.

Processing Wood

Maybe one of the most important DIYs to master is the processing of wood. Processing wood from tree to lumber will not only give you the ability to build, repair, and heat your home but it will also make you a very valuable person in the post EMP world. But make sure to never burn or work with these types of wood.

Fiber Work

Learning to work with fibers and create things like clothing, gloves, hats, and blankets is a great DIY skill to learn before an EMP.

While it might sound intimidating, I took a class last year at Prepper Camp on Fibers for Survival that showed every part of the process, and I left that class feeling like I could make cloth from scratch with some practice.

Personal Hygiene

15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMPStore baking soda. If you have baking soda and essential oils then you are going to be able to make things like toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and even a crude conditioner.

Turning your wood ash into lye is another great skill to consider as you will be able to make soap.

Of course this is another skill that requires some practice.

DIY Off Grid Comms

The worst time to try and learn how to use that Baofeng is immediately after a serious disaster. My friend Phil Rabalais says it best, “Comms is sorcery.” So, you should spend some time in the spell book now, while the grid is operable.

You should store your off-grid comms inside an EMP-Proof Cloth. This assures you that when the time comes, EMP or not, you will have the option to listen and broadcast.

Food and Water

Gardening & Fertilizing

Think about your gardening process. How you build beds, how you fill beds, how you seed that soil, all of that will need to happen without transportation. In other words, you cannot get dirt trucked in or go buy bags of topsoil and materials to create new garden beds.

DIY compost is an easy way to get headed in the right direction with this. Start a compost pile this year so you have a means of feeding your garden.

Canning

15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMPCommon air conditioning and refrigeration are going to be drastically missed in a post EMP world. Without electricity you are not going to be able to keep things cold like you used to. Food preservation will go back to canning.

Related: Canning Pasta Sauce for Long Term Preservation

You will need a canning setup and some great books with recipes on the topics. The Canning Bible is one of the best for this.

Off Grid Cooking

We take our electric stoves and oven for granted and when the grid goes down it’s not going to work anymore.

How will you prepare all of your survival food without a stove? Lean here how to build the oven that cooks without fire, fuel, smell, or smoke.

Learning to cook in cast iron Dutch ovens can be very helpful, too!

Rain Catchment

Should the taps run dry you will need a rapid solution for hydration. Rainfall is a great opportunity to harvest a lot of water, but you need a rainwater catchment system. Even if you already own rain barrels, ask yourself the question: Did you buy or make them?

If you do not know how to make a rain barrel, then you should learn. You should also have barrels on hand for this. They are affordable and pretty easy to come by. You will also want things like metal hose bibs for installation at the base of the rain barrel to easily get the water out.

Water Sanitization

15 Things You Must Learn to DIY Before an EMPHaving access to water is one thing but you need to be able to make sure that water is safe.

DIY water sanitization is likely going to include some kind of filter and a purification method.

Related: I Lived Without Running Water For One Year. Here’s What I Learned

You can create a simple sand and charcoal filter to remove large particles and impurities, followed by boiling the water or using solar disinfection to kill harmful pathogens.

Remedies

DIY Medicine

In your yard, on the fence line, around your neighborhood and in parks there are all kinds of plants and trees that can be used as medicine. As I write this, I have common plantain growing amidst the grass at arm’s length.

I used this same plant with some mint to brew up tea for a hot towel compress on my eyes. This relieved the inflammation of conjunctivitis that I was suffering from.

Protecting Your Electronics

Although not needing electronics at all might be the goal, we all know that life after an EMP will be considerably easier with at least some essential devices still working.

The best way to protect them is to cover them with an EMP cloth, a conductive fabric you can use to wrap items. The cloth acts the same way as a Faraday cage and will protect electronics from the damaging effects of EMP.

Developed by top-notch U.S. scientists after years of hard work, the EMP cloth outperforms a Faraday cage. It’s not just flexible and portable, but a reliable shield for your electronics during an EMP attack. You can get yours here, before they’re out of stock.

We have just gone over all kinds of skills. I am sure a list like this is intimidating. Nearly every skill on this list could be a lifetime study.

It has taken me every bit of a decade to become proficient at most of these skills. I can say that I know more about them now than I did when I started. The truth is there are no substitutes for time and reps.

What you can do is start those reps today. Pick a skill and either learn about it or start fooling with it. Don’t wait till the weekend. Don’t wait till school lets out. Just get started.

You may also like:

5 Instant Dry Soup Mixes Every Prepper Should Have In Their Food Storage

The EMP-Proof Shelter You Need to Build Before It’s Too Late (Video)

Dangerous Health Mistakes to Avoid When SHTF

How to Looter-Proof Your Home

Tags: DIYEMPself-sufficiency
ShareTweetPin4

Comments 14

  1. John says:
    11 months ago

    What is the difference between the ‘Awesome DIY Device that turns air into fresh water and a Dehumidifier? Basically that is what is shown in the picture. Where as in the video it shows a completely different item. Water from a Dehumidifier can be boiled and or put thru a filter.
    With this in mind what would be the difference . . . ?

    Did you like this comment? 8
    1
    Reply
    • Dawn Lightener says:
      11 months ago

      The DIY device is a crudely constructed that barely makes enough water for consumption. There are commercial devices, finding a used or refurbished unit would be a better route to do.
      Always have backup water filter in case the device breaks down and no spare parts to repair it.

      Did you like this comment? 5
      Reply
  2. Sam McDougale says:
    11 months ago

    No one is getting out without a few scratches in these scenarios as we read these articles. ‘Train as you fight, fight as you train’ and hopefully we got the basic fundamentals done right, everything else will fall in place.

    No one is getting out alive in the end, just be sure you are on good terms with the creator, you know the deal.

    God bless Maganomics on November 5th.

    Did you like this comment? 23
    1
    Reply
  3. Robert says:
    11 months ago

    Even the big guys will be scrambling. The difference is that they can maintain an army of folks to do their bidding. At least for a while. While no-one can be 100%, there are some that can make it with the right resources. And then there are those that don’t care and will be desperate. In my case, it’s going to be lack of sleep. Someone needs to mind the fort.

    Did you like this comment? 4
    Reply
  4. Ruth says:
    11 months ago

    I just watched the video on how your state will be affected by an emp. And again it’s like everything else, sells for $39.00 . And again I’m wondering as always what are you going to do with the illegals in this country when they arrive at your door and stick a gun in your face and blow it off. Some of these people act like the rest of the country is stupid. I figured that China already knows everything I look at and read on this phone since they made it. And I think that since the Asian population are the best at digging tunnels and our troops not even knowing that during Cambodia, Korea, and Vietnam what makes anyone think they will not be able to find you? Even if I took the battery out of the phone now and utterly destroyed it I’m sure every transaction I have ever made even in cash, the CCP know it. The only hope I see is dessert my life and take what I can carry and leave. I’m the only one in my family who as far as I know listen and watch what is taking place. I trust no one including my family or best friend. When you order shtf items I’m just not going to believe that China doesn’t already know it. And it doesn’t even have to be China it could be any one of the enemies of the country. I can see an emp because they don’t want to take over the USA and have to rebuild anything or a nuclear weapon which would destroy the water and soil for their own people to live here. And with the biggest population of soldiers in the world they can just drop right in and take over anyway. You may be able to live a little while but I bet they don’t leave no stone unturned.

    Did you like this comment? 6
    4
    Reply
    • ivymike says:
      11 months ago

      Like a lot of posters here you are living in a fantasy world, you need to learn how to learn, not just believe the idiots.

      Did you like this comment? 2
      Reply
      • DavidDaviddadghh says:
        11 months ago

        What makes you think she is not right though?

        Did you like this comment?
  5. Cygnet A Brown says:
    11 months ago

    Learning several ways to start a fire and learning to know and how to use foraged foods (animal and vegetable) are two of the most important skills that we can learn that you didn’t include on your list.

    Did you like this comment? 5
    Reply
  6. Chaplain Dan says:
    11 months ago

    I just went through that small hurricane that basically has brought Houston to a complete standstill. This was a small storm and everything north of I 10 is without power. A lot of things to the south, but mainly Katie Texas to almost Beaumont is without power. First thing there’s no refrigeration. Second the water supply is on diesel from the city. How long those hold up is anybody’s guest I know I’ve said on here before getting water is going to be the thing that gets people going cannibal mode. You can store it, but it takes up a lot of space . You can catch rainwater if it rains. Last summer it didn’t rain here from late May until almost Thanksgiving. We had a huge drought. There is a bayou right here by me. It’s dark brown water. That would need to be filtered and I am pretty sure commercial ceramic filters you’re not going to get the 500 gallons through before it’s plugged up. Pay attention to these how to make water filter with burlap bags, sand dirt, charcoal. What kind of charcoal Kingsford? Don’t think so. You have to make your own. That is a process all in itself. Someone up above said the best thing you can do is have your soul prepared. That part is very true, but in the meantime, you can’t wait until hurricane to begin to be prepared. I looked around at all my stuff and the one thing that I lack is how to clean water. When this settles down and the power comes back that will be rectified. That is what I am going to make an absolute point on figuring out is how to filter water.

    Did you like this comment? 17
    Reply
    • ivymike says:
      11 months ago

      We watched that hurricane for 2 weeks and the whole 2 weeks it was forecast to hit Tampico or maybe Brownsville. Not once was Houston mentioned. Just never know what’s coming up over the horizon.

      Did you like this comment? 1
      Reply
    • Mbl says:
      11 months ago

      Glad you are all right. Every time I’ve had an outage, I get to test out my preps and plans to see where there are holes. Where I am, it’s relatively easy to get water. But, that doesn’t always mean it’s potable.

      Did you like this comment? 1
      Reply
  7. Tom Acheson says:
    11 months ago

    I would really like you to get to the point on your videos. All this on and on and on nonsense means nothing to most everybody and we really don’t want story time. Get to the point and let’s get on with it. WTF man.

    Did you like this comment? 5
    Reply
  8. Larry Grenie says:
    11 months ago

    Good info
    Has any one heard of Paula Collins.
    If your voting for Trump .
    You will not like what comes out her moth,
    For me,
    ITs Trump 2024.
    Were Taking back our country Nov 5th 2024.
    The house cleaning is underway,
    If we do not, Our country is finished,
    And there will be a world WAR 3.
    I am not sure as a prepper how long we can hold out.
    Russia has moved nuke to Cuba,.
    200 miles off our coast, ,
    All we can really do is it dose not happen,
    Trains have been really moving,
    What are they hauling and where is it all gone.
    What they do not want you to see is in closed in semi trailor’s
    Double decked on rail cars,
    Some trains are over two miles long,
    What I have seen are moving East and West.
    coming threw Praire Du chine Wisconsin,
    Some times as many as 25 in 24 hours.
    It makes me wonder what they may be preparing for,
    Three train companies merged to gather, .
    Up and down the Mississippi river

    Did you like this comment? 1
    1
    Reply
    • Mike says:
      11 months ago

      What does that really mean “we are taking back our country?”

      Break that down for me in clearly defined terms because this was Native American land first and foremost so I’m genuinely curious what your statement truly means?

      Did you like this comment? 1
      2
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

FOLLOW US ON:

PREPPER RECOMMENDS

THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO ONCE A CIVIL WAR STARTS

IF YOU HAVE THIS ON YOUR PROPERTY, HIDE IT IMMEDIATELY

THIS BACKPACK-SIZED WATER GENERATOR PRODUCES 40 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY OUT OF THIN AIR

HOW TO GET 295 POUNDS OF EXTRA FOOD FOR JUST $5 A WEEK

YOU WILL NOT SURVIVE A LOOTER ATTACK WITHOUT THIS

THE ANTIBIOTIC YOU CAN SMOKE

Banner Generator

RECOMMENDED READS:

BEST PREPPER BOOKS – 9 BOOKS TO SURVIVE ANY CRISIS!

THE PIONEER DISH THAT NEVER ENDS: PERPETUAL SOUP (STEW)

HOW TO TIE AND USE A BOWLINE KNOT

$5 DEPRESSION-ERA RECIPES

HOW TO MAKE POTTED MEAT

A NAVY SEAL’s BUG-IN GUIDE: BOOK REVIEW



Banner TLW2

How to looter-proof your property

This House is Actually The Safest Place On Earth



Why You Should Have a Blue Roof

Logo Header

Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or just starting your preparedness journey, Ask a Prepper offers practical advice, time-tested skills, and expert insights to keep you and your family safe. Learn how to thrive in any situation with proven techniques for food preservation, homesteading, defense, and more.

LATEST ARTICLES

L.A. Is Just the Beginning / Photo Source: The New York Times / X.com

L.A. Is Just the Beginning

June 13, 2025
Canning Myths Debunked by the Amish

Canning Myths Debunked by the Amish

June 12, 2025
how to siphon gas from a motorcycle

How to Siphon Gas from a Motorcycle

June 11, 2025

TRENDING POSTS

A NAVY SEAL’S BUG-IN GUIDE: BOOK REVIEW

US FALLOUT SHELTER MAP

10 HOUSEHOLD ITEMS YOU NEED TO STOCK UP ON BEFORE THE UPCOMING GREAT DEPRESSION

BETTER THAN GOLD

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES

PATH TO SURVIVAL

THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE

TRUE PREPPER

Copyright © 2014-2025 Ask a Prepper
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact

Manage Consent

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we will assume that you are happy with it. Privacy Policy

Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
  • Home
  • All Articles
  • Store
  • About Claude Davis
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2014-2025 Ask a Prepper
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact