We can not turn back the tide. We are where we are and we need to start from this point to prepare for that potential. The first step in preparing is to recognize and accept that such danger does exist.

The danger of bundling communications is understood by those who can do something about it but for political or economic reasons they are unwilling to do anything to solve the problem. The only way these people are going to act is by the rest of us demanding action. Write your political leaders and urge them to get the ball rolling. Talk to others you know and let them know the issue is real.

Between now and when a more permanent solution can be developed we need to have more effective work around systems for communications. (A "work around" is a means to bypass the failed system and accomplish the necessary action or project.) Works around systems are something we can do on a community level, a family level, and on a personal level.

On a community level we need to start local civic groups that will prepare a community communication work around program. A major alternative communication system needs to be made ready that will provide intracommunity communication as well as intercommunity communications.

Finally we need to be prepared as families and individuals. Normal disaster preparations would be a start. Flashlights with incandescent bulbs should survive but the new battery free LED lights will probably fail. LED's are solid state devices. While a transistor radio receiver should be part of your regular emergency kit it probably will not survive EMP but not to worry because the transmitting stations probably won't survive either.

Let Y2K teach us how dependent we have become on semiconductors technology and let the April ninth incident teach us how critical and precarious electronic communications has become so we can start preparing for the devastating possibilities nuclear EMP could cause.

While issues related to transportation as well as other need to be considered in event of an EMP black out, the first issue that needs to be addressed is communications. Other problems can be more easily addressed after the attack if adequate communications is in place. Preparations for EMP is not like insurance, it will not be a waste even if the worst doesn't happen because there will be natural and man made disaster and by preparing for the worst it will make these smaller bumps a lot smother to travel over.

Preparation can not start yesterday but it can start today. The final question of this article is now that you know the potential issue what are you going to do about it? If everyone waits for the other guy to make the first move it will not get done.

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