Survival basics: 5 Dangerous locations to avoid during an EMP attack

By zoeysky // 2025-05-12

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Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks are a growing concern for preppers, alongside other emergencies. Places to avoid include cities, which rely heavily on technology and infrastructure, making them highly susceptible to EMP attacks.
Roads and highways are dangerous because modern vehicles dependent on electronics will fail, leaving drivers stranded.
Hospitals give the illusion of safety, but they rely on electronic equipment and limited backup power, making them vulnerable to EMP attacks.
Boats and ships should be avoided because modern vessels depend on electronics for navigation, communication and propulsion.
Air travel is also dangerous because modern aircraft rely on electronics for flight control, navigation and communication. In the face of an EMP attack, preparation and awareness are crucial. By understanding the worst places to be and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can increase your chances of survival in a post-EMP world.

Many preppers getting ready for possible threats like natural disasters, economic downturns and other emergencies are also worried about the threat of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. This silent, invisible menace could unravel modern society in an instant. Unlike storms or economic collapses, an EMP strike is a high-impact event that can cripple electronics, fry infrastructure and leave cities and towns in chaos. While you may have stockpiled food and reinforced your shelter, are you aware of the worst places to be when an EMP hits? Below are danger zones that you should avoid, along with essential survival tips. (h/t to PreppersWill.com)

Societal collapse: Cities

Cities are the epitome of modern civilization, bustling with energy and activity. However, this very density and reliance on technology make them incredibly vulnerable to EMP attacks. When an EMP strikes, the intricate web of electronics that keeps cities running will fail, turning them into deadly traps. Elevators will stop, leaving people stranded in skyscrapers. Traffic lights will go dark, causing accidents and gridlock. Communication networks will also collapse, cutting off emergency services. After an EMP attack, grocery stores will be stripped bare within days and water supplies will dwindle as pumps fail. Medications requiring refrigeration will spoil, exacerbating health crises. As desperation sets in, crime will skyrocket. Looting, violence and a breakdown of law and order will become rampant. In the aftermath of an EMP attack, cities will transform from centers of civilization into chaotic, dangerous environments. The best course of action is to evacuate early or, better yet, avoid cities altogether when tensions are high.

Trapped on the interstate: Roads and highways

Imagine cruising down the interstate when suddenly, your car sputters to a halt. This is the reality for anyone on the road during an EMP attack. Modern vehicles, heavily reliant on electronics, will become useless, leaving drivers stranded. Most cars made after the 1980s will be rendered inoperable, turning highways into parking lots. Older vehicles may suffer damage, depending on their electronic components. Many stranded motorists will face extreme heat, cold and dehydration. Road rage incidents will escalate and lawlessness will prevail as people become desperate for supplies. After SHTF, evacuating by car will be nearly impossible. Those who attempt to flee will find themselves trapped in endless traffic jams, with no help coming. If you must travel during high tensions, do so early or not at all. Once the highways jam up, they become death traps.

The illusion of safety: Hospitals

Hospitals are meant to be sanctuaries of healing, but in the aftermath of an EMP attack, they can become a dangerous place. The reliance on electronic equipment and limited backup power makes them highly vulnerable. Backup generators will fail as their electronic components are fried. Ventilators, monitors and other critical devices will stop working, leaving many patients in critical condition after the attack. Without power, doctors will be forced to practice battlefield medicine. Medications will spoil and infections will spread rapidly in unsanitary conditions. Desperate people will flock to hospitals seeking help, leading to resource hoarding, violence and the breakdown of order. Hospitals will become dangerous places, with limited supplies and overwhelmed staff. In a post-EMP world, hospitals will not be the safe havens they once were. If you or a loved one is not in immediate need of medical attention, it's best to avoid them.

Floating tombs: Boats and ships

Being at sea during an EMP attack is a terrifying prospect. Modern ships, heavily dependent on electronics for navigation, communication and propulsion, will become powerless hulks. After an attack, engines will fail, navigation systems will go dark and communication will be impossible. Crews will be left adrift, with no way to call for help. Without power, food will spoil, water will run low and sanitation will become a major issue. Panic will spread quickly among passengers. The isolation of the sea will accelerate the breakdown of civility. Looting, violence and a fight for survival will ensue. For those on smaller vessels, the situation is equally dire. Without navigation equipment, finding land will be a deadly guessing game.

Unfriendly skies: Air travel

An EMP attack in the air is a nightmare scenario. Modern aircraft, reliant on electronics for flight control, navigation and communication will be crippled. Pilots will lose instrument readings, communications and control of the aircraft. The safest outcome is a controlled glide, but even then, finding a safe landing spot will be challenging. Air traffic control will be offline, and airports will be in chaos. Private planes will face similar challenges, with no GPS or radio to guide them. In the event of EMP attacks, air travel becomes a high-risk endeavor. The safest bet is to keep your feet on the ground when tensions are high.

Survival tips for an EMP attack

These tips can help you keep your family safe before an EMP event:

Situational awareness and proper planning

Be aware of the signs of an EMP attack, such as sudden electronic failures. Know your surroundings and have a clear plan for what to do if an EMP strikes. Consider your location, distance from home and reliance on infrastructure.

Prepare for the long haul

Assume the situation will be long-term and prepare accordingly. Stockpile non-perishable food, water and medical supplies. Aim for self-sufficiency. A rural homestead with solar power, a well and ample supplies is ideal. (Related: Prepping on a budget: 8 Recession-proof projects to start on your homestead.)

Protect electronics

Use Faraday cages to protect sensitive electronics. This can be as simple as storing items in a metal garbage can lined with foam or wrapping them in multiple layers of aluminum foil.

Stock up on essential supplies

Stockpile at least a month's worth of non-perishable food and water. Focus on perishables first and purify water as needed. Stock up on medical supplies, including potassium iodide tablets for radiation exposure. Additionally, acquire tools and supplies for tasks like making fire, cutting wood and storing food without electricity. In the face of an EMP attack, preparation and awareness are key. By understanding the worst places to be and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your family, you can increase your chances of survival in a post-EMP world. The goal is to be self-sufficient and adaptable after an EMP attack in a world without modern conveniences. Visit Preparedness.news for more tips on how to prepare your homestead before an EMP event. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies for your prepping stockpile. Watch the video below to learn more about Freeze-Dried Fruits and why you should have them in your survival stockpile. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

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