EMP Threat: Keep Garden and Fishing Tackle Handy!

As the Bush Administration continues talks to lift sanctions and provide international aid to nuclear-capable terrorism sponsor North Korea, Saturday's Wall Street Journal reminds us of one more thing to worry about: the EMP threat. EMP—that's electromagnetic pulse, a fun little side effect of a nuclear detonation. Basically, set off a nuclear weapon way up high (like suborbital/low-orbit high, ballistic missile high), and you won't knock over any buildings or give anyone radiation poisoning. But the explosion will generate a power surge that will fry every electronic device in sight. Cell phones, computers, refrigerators, 99% of cars on the road today, maybe the entire electric grid—kaput!

I remember learning about EMP effects watching The Day After back in 1983, when Steve Guttenberg couldn't get a car to start after Kansas City got nuked. ABC gave EMP the dramatic treatment again in 1987's Amerika, in which the Soviets get the drop on us by setting off just four stratospheric nuclear blasts that EMP us into surrender.

So anyone care to speculate which Presidential candidate is more inclined to develop a program along the recommendations of a government commission's 2004 report (PDF alert) on deterring rogue nuclear attacks, "hardening" critical electronic systems, and putting together a restoration for the national power and communication grids? Obama and McCain both support missile defense, but I don't see EMP addressed.

In the meantime, try not to get too dependent on that Blackberry, and keep an eye on good fishing holes.
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