The Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse has issued a 208-page report detailing a grim scenario of cascading disasters as critical infrastructures fail. If terrorists were to obtain a nuclear weapon and to detonate it over the continental United States, every facet of modern life that depends on electricity would be impacted. The authors point out a successful attack would affect the electrical grid, transportation, telecommunications, banking and finance, and access to petroleum and natural gas. The collapse of systems for delivering food and purified water to the populace would eventually undermine the social fabric. The report calls for a concerted effort to plan ahead for such a disaster including a plan for the prolonged rebuilding process. Interestingly, one of its most emphatic recommendations is to work on a plan for communications and for keeping citizens informed. Stockpiles of food, water, and medical supplies are of little value unless people know of and report to facilities offering aid. The entire report can be viewed online at the Commission’s website. A concerned Interference Technology reader has posted a question on weaponized EMP and hardening of automobiles. Curious about the answer? Just visit the Automotive Forum or Aerospace Forum.
Federal Commission Completes Report on Consequences of an EMP Attack
