Top 10 items to protect from EMP in a Faraday Cage and How Does AI Compare

The other night, out of curiosity, I asked ChatGPT to give me the top 10 most important items to safeguard in a faraday container in the event of an EMP attack.  I was curious to see how it compared to my own top 10 list, and most importantly if it had a couple key items that are vital to many of us that would be in the market for a Faraday shipping container...those of us in rural communities.

I laughed at the results!  Your vehicle's key fob?!  What good is a key fob if the car is fried?  So I asked it to revise the results while considering no limits to size or cost.  The results were much better this time. 

I continued to recognize that there needed to be more information factored in so I asked it to consider the prior but now revise the list so it includes Top 10 items and those 10 items all have to fit inside a 40-foot shipping container.  This 3rd result was well done, but it did not have some of the items that I would have at the TOP of my list!  I realize though that it may be that not all people have a need for these  items.  If you did however, they would be considered vital!

My whole purpose for doing this was based off my curiosity of whether AI would include the two items I have at the top of my list.  My suspicion was that it would not because I rarely see these items on similar lists.  Rather than explain more I'll just paste the ChatGPT interaction below and then I'll follow up with my top 10.

What are the 10 most important items to protect from an EMP attack in civilian terms such as personal items?

ChatGPT

Protecting personal items from an EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) attack is crucial to ensure that essential electronic devices and critical information remain functional. Here are ten important items to consider safeguarding:

1. Smartphones: These are essential for communication, navigation, and accessing important information.
2. Laptops/Tablets: Important for work, personal communication, and storing valuable data.
3. External Hard Drives/USB Drives: Store backups of critical data, photos, and important documents.
4. Portable Radios: Essential for receiving news and information if other communication systems fail.
5. Battery Chargers/Power Banks: Important for keeping other devices charged and operational.
6. Flashlights: Crucial for lighting during power outages, especially rechargeable LED flashlights.
7. Solar Chargers: Useful for recharging batteries and small devices when conventional power sources are unavailable.
8. Medical Devices: Such as hearing aids, insulin pumps, or other necessary health-related electronics.
9. Car Key Fobs: Modern vehicles often require these to start and operate.
10. Emergency Communication Devices: Such as satellite phones or two-way radios, which can be vital for emergency contact.

To protect these items, consider storing them in EMP-proof containers, such as Faraday cages or Faraday bags, which shield electronic devices from electromagnetic interference.

 

 

OK but now lets consider all items large or very expensive.

ChatGPT

When considering larger or more expensive items to protect from an EMP attack, the list can expand to include critical infrastructure and high-value assets. Here are ten such items:

1. Vehicles: Modern cars and trucks contain complex electronic systems that can be disabled by an EMP. Protecting critical components, such as the ECU (Engine Control Unit), is essential.
2. Generators: Backup generators, especially those used for emergency power supply, are crucial for maintaining electricity during outages.
3. Solar Power Systems: Including solar panels, inverters, and batteries. These systems can provide a renewable power source post-EMP.
4. Home Security Systems: Advanced security systems that rely on electronic sensors and cameras for home protection.
5. HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that are electronically controlled.
6. Appliances: High-value appliances like refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dryers, which often have electronic controls.
7. Communication Equipment: Such as satellite phones, two-way radios, and emergency communication devices that are essential for staying connected.
8. Medical Equipment: Expensive and life-saving equipment, including ventilators, dialysis machines, and other home medical devices.
9. Home Automation Systems: Smart home systems that control lighting, heating, and security can be costly to replace and crucial for home management.
10. Computers and Servers: Essential for running businesses, these systems store critical data and facilitate operations.

Protecting these larger or more expensive items might involve integrating Faraday shielding into the structure of storage areas, using specialized EMP-proof containers, or employing surge protection devices designed to mitigate the effects of an EMP.

Considering all those things mentioned in the previous text...now consider all things that you can fit into a shipping container. Lets say you have to fit all 10 things into one high cube 40' shipping container that has been converted into an effective faraday cage.

ChatGPT

Fitting all these critical items into a high cube 40' shipping container that has been converted into an effective Faraday cage requires careful planning to maximize space and ensure protection. Here's how you can organize and store them:

1. Vehicles: Depending on the size, you can fit one or two small to mid-sized vehicles in the container. Place them first, ensuring they are well-secured and leaving enough space around them for other items.
2. Generators: Place the generator(s) next to the vehicles, ensuring they are secure and accessible. You might want to keep fuel containers nearby, but ensure they are stored safely.
3. Solar Power Systems: Store the solar panels, inverters, and batteries on racks or shelves along one side of the container. Ensure they are well-padded and secured to prevent damage.
4. Home Security Systems: These can be stored in a designated area, possibly in a protective cabinet. Include all necessary components like cameras, sensors, and control units.
5. HVAC Systems: If you have portable or modular components, place these in a designated area. Ensure all parts are protected and secured.
6. Appliances: Place high-value appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines in the container. Ensure they are secured to prevent movement during transit or storage.
7. Communication Equipment: Store satellite phones, two-way radios, and emergency communication devices in a protective cabinet or case, possibly on shelves.
8. Medical Equipment: Place life-saving medical equipment in a designated area, ensuring it is easily accessible and well-protected.
9. Home Automation Systems: Store components of smart home systems in protective cases or cabinets. Label everything clearly for easy access.
10. Computers and Servers: Set up racks or shelves for storing computers, servers, and related equipment. Ensure all devices are protected from physical damage.

Additional Considerations:

• Shelving and Racks: Install sturdy shelving and racks along the sides of the container to maximize vertical space and keep items organized.
• Padding and Securing: Use padding, straps, and securing mechanisms to prevent movement and damage to items during transit or storage.
• Accessibility: Arrange items so that critical and frequently needed items are easily accessible without having to unload the entire container.
• Ventilation and Climate Control: Consider ventilation and climate control solutions to protect sensitive electronics and equipment from temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Inventory and Labeling: Keep an inventory of all items stored in the container and label everything clearly to facilitate easy access and organization.

By carefully planning the layout and securing all items, you can effectively use a high cube 40' shipping container as a comprehensive Faraday cage to protect a wide range of critical and high-value items from an EMP attack.

I have to admit it's a fairly thorough list!

My List:

TOP 10 ITEMS to Protect From EMP

1. Spare Water Pumps! - A replacement well pump and a replacement sump pump...one to get all the fresh water you need and one to get water you don’t want out!  Don’t forget about a sewage pump if you need one of those!  You will be able to run all these items when you fire up your generator.
2. Dual Fuel Generator - Gas and propane.  Or diesel.  Diesel fuel lasts much longer than gasoline so feel free to get a diesel generator if you have plans to store diesel on your property.  If not at least the dual fuel generator has a backup fuel that can be stored 30-40 years or longer, keep in mind they need to be inspected every 10 years but something tells me they won’t be around near that long.
3. Two Mid to large-sized Portable Solar Generator Systems – I recommend 2 of the same units that can be coupled together.  That way you at least have 1 full system if one of the units crashes.
4. Battery Chargers for all your batteries, especially 12volt car batteries
5. Tools!  Corded and cordless.  If you can repair, rebuild and fabricate...then your future has lots of potential!
6. Appliances (small and large) - Chest freezer, fridge, induction cooktop, pressure cooker, microwave, blender/food processor.  Notice I’m trying to choose items that cook fast and or don’t or at least use less power to do so.  
7. Surveillance System - Solar trail cams around the property with alerts via Bluetooth.
8. UTV/ATV:  I'm seeing Tactical! (Snowmobile also if in northern states - no plows etc.)  Any vehicle that can traverse rugged terrain would be beneficial in many ways.  Obviously you aren’t going to be using it a LOT but it will come in handy those first few days…but will then be a valuable asset again as time passes and things calm down…you know, much later.
9. PC Equipment: Laptops, tablets, hard drives, usb storage devices some with vital survival and personal family files.  You should be thinking of how to best store and organize and label them is.  I have a 6 pack of SHTF USB drives that has a lot of great info stored on them.  I will still have that info on other drives as well for 'insurance' purposes.  
10. A large tote filled with all your Small Electronics (in smaller totes) such as flashlights and headlights, two-way radios and ham radios...all your small electronic gadgets. Especially if you have night vision optics and powered optics along with laser sights etc.  (I say 'totes' but it's obviously best to have them organized on some shelves or in a dresser or hanging on the wall).  You should be owning a few solar powered battery packs by now and anything else that has solar for power or better yet for backup power.  The hand-crank flashlights and radios are very nice to have also have electronics in them...they need to be in there as well.  

OK yes, so I cheated a little by having multiple items on line 1 and the tote full of small electronics is cheating a little as well.  Trust me, there's plenty of room for them in a 40’ shipping container.  Like I said, the reason for this AI experiment was to see if it would come up with the well and sump pump items.  I suppose I should have specified that it would be for people that live mostly in rural areas since they have the space to accommodate a 40’ shipping container.  I’m pretty sure that ChatGPT considered urban living when it created these lists.  I can ask again using the same prompt but I’ll add in that it’s for people that live in areas that can legally accommodate a 40’ shipping container.  I will add that to the end of this blog post.

If you have no need for a well pump,  sump pump or sewage pump then I would recommend medical equipment especially if you have the need.  Another item to consider would be a good chainsaw.  You may have to clear trees after storms etc and without a chainsaw you may be significantly compromised.  A chainsaw however  likely wouldn’t be damaged by an emp…except for maybe the coil.   I would therefore keep it protected.  Regardless, with all the items listed above you should be able to put together a top 10 or 20 list of items that pertain to you and your situation.

I will be posting every item I think you should have in the tote tomorrow or the next day. 

I will also be posting a comprehensive list of  items to keep in faraday protection.  

Here is the updated prompt I gave to ChatGPT regarding rural living.  I then asked why the sump and well pumps weren’t mentioned.  It then agreed that those should be included. 

See below…

Using the info from above now make the list suited to those people living in areas that can legally place a 40' shipping container on their property. Mainly for people living in rural areas.

 

ChatGPT

For people living in rural areas who can legally place a 40' shipping container on their property, the list of items to protect from an EMP attack should be practical and cater to their lifestyle. Here's a revised list of essential items to fit into a high cube 40' shipping container, which has been converted into an effective Faraday cage:

1. Vehicles: Essential for transportation in rural areas. Include at least one vehicle, preferably a reliable truck or SUV. Ensure it is secured and properly shielded.
2. Generators: Crucial for maintaining power in remote locations. Store at least one high-capacity generator, along with a supply of fuel. Consider renewable options like a solar generator for sustainability.
3. Solar Power Systems: Important for off-grid power. Include solar panels, inverters, batteries, and necessary wiring. Use racks to maximize space and protect the components.
4. Communication Equipment: Essential for staying connected in isolated areas. Include satellite phones, two-way radios, and a CB radio for emergencies. Store them in protective cases.
5. Portable Radios and Emergency Communication Devices: Store these with other communication equipment to ensure access to news and emergency broadcasts.
6. Home Security Systems: Even in rural areas, security is important. Include cameras, sensors, and control units. Keep them organized and secure.
7. Appliances: High-value, essential appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine. Secure them to prevent movement and damage.
8. Medical Equipment: Critical for health emergencies. Store any necessary home medical devices like ventilators, portable oxygen concentrators, and first-aid supplies.
9. Computers and Data Storage: Include laptops, desktops, external hard drives, and USB drives containing important data and backups. Store them on shelves with protective padding.
10. Emergency and Survival Supplies: Include additional items like water filters, non-perishable food, portable stoves, and camping gear. These are crucial for self-sufficiency in rural areas.

Additional Considerations for Rural Areas:

• Tools and Maintenance Equipment: Include essential tools for vehicle and equipment maintenance, such as a toolbox, spare parts, and repair kits.
• Shelving and Storage Solutions: Install heavy-duty shelving and storage bins to keep items organized and maximize space.
• Water Storage and Purification: Store water containers and purification systems to ensure a reliable water supply.
• Firearms and Ammunition: If legal and necessary for protection and hunting, include firearms and secure them in a gun safe within the container.
• Gardening and Farming Equipment: Include small gardening tools, seeds, and farming equipment to support self-sufficiency.

By carefully organizing and securing these items, rural residents can effectively use a 40' shipping container as a comprehensive Faraday cage, ensuring their essential and high-value items are protected from an EMP attack.

As you can see the list is nearly identical.  So I asked why the pumps were left out…

 

I'm curious why you didn't include a spare well pump, a spare sump pump and a spare sewage pump?

 

ChatGPT

Memory updated

You're right—spare well pumps, sump pumps, and sewage pumps are crucial for rural living, especially when considering the need for self-sufficiency and maintaining essential services. Here is the revised list including these items:

1. Vehicles: Include at least one reliable vehicle, such as a truck or SUV. Ensure it is secured and properly shielded.
2. Generators: Store at least one high-capacity generator, along with a supply of fuel. Consider renewable options like a solar generator for sustainability.
3. Solar Power Systems: Include solar panels, inverters, batteries, and necessary wiring. Use racks to maximize space and protect the components.
4. Spare Well Pump: Critical for maintaining access to water. Store a spare well pump and necessary installation tools.
5. Spare Sump Pump: Important for preventing basement flooding. Store a spare sump pump and any required accessories.
6. Spare Sewage Pump: Essential for maintaining sanitation. Store a spare sewage pump and necessary components for installation.
7. Communication Equipment: Include satellite phones, two-way radios, and a CB radio for emergencies. Store them in protective cases.
8. Home Security Systems: Include cameras, sensors, and control units. Keep them organized and secure.
9. Appliances: Store high-value, essential appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer, and washing machine. Secure them to prevent movement and damage.
10. Medical Equipment: Store necessary home medical devices like ventilators, portable oxygen concentrators, and first-aid supplies.
11. Computers and Data Storage: Include laptops, desktops, external hard drives, and USB drives containing important data and backups. Store them on shelves with protective padding.
12. Emergency and Survival Supplies: Include water filters, non-perishable food, portable stoves, and camping gear.

Additional Considerations for Rural Areas:

• Tools and Maintenance Equipment: Include essential tools for vehicle and equipment maintenance, such as a toolbox, spare parts, and repair kits.
• Shelving and Storage Solutions: Install heavy-duty shelving and storage bins to keep items organized and maximize space.
• Water Storage and Purification: Store water containers and purification systems to ensure a reliable water supply.
• Firearms and Ammunition: If legal and necessary for protection and hunting, include firearms and secure them in a gun safe within the container.
• Gardening and Farming Equipment: Include small gardening tools, seeds, and farming equipment to support self-sufficiency.

By including these additional pumps and ensuring all items are properly organized and secured, rural residents can enhance their preparedness and self-sufficiency in the event of an EMP attack.

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions and I look forward to discussing all that pertains!

Thanks for reading!

Troy