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Could our electric grid survive an EMP attack?

By: Nicole Stevens

There has been no shortage of controversy in politics today. One of the most prominent subjects is that of the situation between the U.S. and North Korea. High tensions have prompted talk from North Korea in regards to an EMP attack on the U.S. What exactly is an EMP? How disastrous would a potential EMP attack be? Would our power grid survive such an impact? Our current state of affairs prompts these types of questions so that we can be better prepared in case of a potential disaster. Could our electric grid survive an EMP attack?

EMP stands for electromagnetic pulse which is a super-energetic radio wave that can destroy, damage, or cause the malfunction of electronic systems by overloading their circuits (securethegrid.com). It's not harmful to humans directly, but it would cause a great deal of issues for the people inhabiting the affected area.

An EMP attack could be quite disastrous. Various sources have vague information stating that after several months, 90% of human life in the affected zone could perish due to starvation, disease, and general anarchy. Though, this kind of bold statement is not back with much validity. It is however highly likely it could greatly affect the economy.

The chances of our power grid surviving an EMP attack are not very high. As we have seen during this past hurricane season, power grids seem to be a vulnerable spot. Citizens of the U.S. are very dependent on electronics, and that weakness was shown greatly during the past few storms. Protection from an EMP attack would be possible, but would ultimately cost billions of dollars and take a few years to be completed. Unfortunately, that is time and money the U.S. just does not have.

Though an attack may never happen, it is best to take any threats like these seriously. An EMP attack would greatly affect millions of Americans and now is the time to get informed about what could happen if this eventually unfolds.

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About John's Electric

Linn Park Fountain, Birmingham, AL

John's Electric Inc. is a family owned and operated electrical contractor business that proudly provides electrician services in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding areas such as Hoover, Homewood, Chelsea, Vestavia Hills, Pelham, Alabaster, Trussville, and Mountain Brook. John's Electric provides residential and commercial electrical solutions at competitive rates. We have been in this line of work for 30 years, giving us not only experience but expertise as well. You can depend on us. We are a state licensed electrician (#03875) for your protection.

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When you need help from an electrician IMMEDDIATELY, this is the company to call. They came out right away, gave me several options for the repair, and the pricing was fair. I can tell you this, if I had another electrical problem this is the company that I would call.

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