Off-grid survivalism focuses on self-sufficiency, minimising dependence on modern infrastructure like electricity, which would be crippled by an EMP, electromagnetic pulse, either from the sun or a nuclear attack. Here's how to prepare and survive in Australia, in the worst-case scenario, considering its unique environmental and social challenges. As far as I am aware, no-one has tackled this issue in Australia, let alone from the freedom movement, but the problem is far more real than issues the status quo is concerned with such as the illusory climate change bunk, as Brian Simpson's article today shows. So, let's go!
Water supply is critical, as pumps and treatment plants would fail post-EMP. Collect rainwater using barrels or tanks, and identify natural water sources like rivers or springs (common in rural Australia, such as the Murray-Darling Basin). Use manual filtration systems (e.g., ceramic filters) and/or boiling over a fire to purify water. Store at least 4 litres per person per day for a minimum of two weeks, as recommended by survival experts, but aim for a month given potential delays in recovery.
Without refrigeration, focus on non-perishable foods like dried beans, rice, and canned goods, which can last years if stored properly. Australia's climate varies, so in hotter regions like Queensland, store food in cool, dry underground spaces to prevent spoilage. Learn to preserve food through traditional methods like smoking, salting, or drying—techniques used by Indigenous Australians for millennia (e.g., smoking fish or kangaroo meat). Grow your own food with heirloom seeds (non-GMO, reusable) for crops suited to Australia's climate, such asbeans, and native bush tucker like finger limes or wattleseed. A small garden can yield enough for a family if planned well—1,200 square feet can sustain one person annually with proper crop rotation.
In Australia's diverse climate, shelter must protect against both heat and cold. In rural areas, build or reinforce a shelter using natural materials like timber or earth (e.g., a mud-brick home, common in outback regions). For heat, rely on wood-burning stoves or fire pits—Australia has abundant timber in regions like Tasmania or the Blue Mountains, but in arid areas, stockpile firewood or use solar cookers (which don't require electricity, just sunlight). Insulate with natural materials like wool or straw to retain heat in colder months, especially in Victoria or Tasmania.
Since electricity is off the table, use mechanical or manual tools for daily tasks—hand-crank drills, pedal-powered grinders, or treadle sewing machines. For lighting, stockpile candles (beeswax lasts longer) or oil lamps (use animal fat or plant oils like eucalyptus, which is abundant in Australia). Solar-powered devices won't work during or immediately after an EMP due to damage to their circuits, but a bicycle-powered generator (if its electronics are EMP-shielded or mechanical) can provide minimal power for small tasks like charging a flashlight, assuming you have spare parts.
Post-EMP, most vehicles with electronic components will fail. Rely on bicycles for short distances—they're lightweight, don't require fuel, and can navigate Australia's rural terrain. For longer distances, consider horses if you're in a rural area with access to feed (e.g., the Australian Stock Horse, a hardy breed). Stockpile spare parts like tires and chains for bikes, as supply chains will collapse. Learn to navigate using paper maps and a compass, as GPS will be unavailable.
An EMP-induced collapse could lead to social unrest, especially in urban centres like Sydney or Melbourne. In rural Australia, isolation can be an advantage, but you'll still need to defend your resources. Use non-electronic security measures like physical barriers (fences, thorny native plants like acacia) and guard dogs (e.g., Australian Cattle Dogs, known for their loyalty). Build a community with trusted neighbours—bartering skills (e.g., medical knowledge, blacksmithing) and goods (e.g., food, tools) will be key to long-term survival. Indigenous Australian communities have a long history of communal living and resource sharing, which can serve as a model.
Hospitals will be non-functional without power, so stockpile first aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics, suture kits) and learn basic medical skills—stitching wounds, setting bones, and treating infections with natural remedies like tea tree oil, widely available in Australia and known for its antibacterial properties. Store essential medications (e.g., insulin, if needed) in a cool, dry place, though their shelf life will be limited without refrigeration. Learn to identify medicinal plants native to Australia, such as kangaroo apple for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Develop skills like blacksmithing, carpentry, and leatherworking to create and repair tools without modern supply chains. Australia's history of self-reliance, seen in its pioneer days, offers lessons—early settlers in the outback built sustainable lives using local resources. Preserve knowledge with physical books on survival, farming, and medicine, as digital resources will be inaccessible.
This off-grid approach aligns with the reality of an EMP event in Australia, where the lack of a national plan means recovery could take months or years. By focusing on manual, low-tech solutions, you can mitigate the worst impacts and sustain yourself independently. And as indicated by the following articles from the mainstream media, the sun is quite active at the moment and extensive blackout due to solar storms are occurring. Unlike hypothetical threats like climate change, here is one we can see, even if the lights go out: