Pray & Prepare

The verdict in the show trial of Donald Trump should surprise no one. It was a foregone conclusion from the start, and the antics of the “prosecution” and “judge” were farcical to the point of making Chinese, Soviet, and Nazi show-trail judges shake their heads. There was absolutely nothing fair, proper, or even legal about the proceeding.

Those telling you to respect the jury system, the rule of law, etc. are telling you exactly who and what they are, and who they serve on Earth and beyond. This is especially true for non-Democrats doing such. Make note of them and shun them, for they are not your friends, comrades, or allies.

Those gloating in the guilty on all counts verdict, even when none can tell you the crime committed other than Trump being Trump and winning the election, the same applies. They do not respect rule of law, our Constitutional Republic, and are happy to go watch any they consider their enemies die horrible deaths in the local arena for their pleasure and to remind the masses what fate awaits those who oppose the state.

Indeed, what we are seeing used to be the norm and while many are pointing out the similarities to the late Roman republic, you can see it in modern China and other countries where to lose power is to condemn you and your family to rather nasty deaths or slavery. It was one of the reasons why our Founders enshrined the peaceful transfer of power as a foundation of the Republic, and it was one of the first times such has worked for any length of time.

Undermining both the Rule of Law and a Justice (not legal) system, that was to be equal for all, kicks two crucial supports out from under the Republic. It’s been clear for a while we had a two-tier system of justice (if not further divided) and that the rule of law was dead — especially when it comes to individual liberty, individual property rights, individual right of self-defense… I could go on, but if anyone has missed the points made by Ruby Ridge, Waco, the extra-judicial murders of various online cranks (see here for one example of several) and those daring to exercise their second amendment rights (see also prosecution here where ‘the 2nd amendment doesn’t exist in my court rooom’), or even self-defense and the defense of others (see here for one example). Yes, I do mean to say extra-judicial murders: what else should one call it when raids are conducted with no-knock/no-announcement, at early or odd hours, only when target present, no body cameras, target cameras taped over, etc. in defiance of law and regulation? There are many more examples for you, and it is clear the ATF, FBI, etc. have taken the lessons of the KGB (and the Gestapo) to heart with early morning raids and the deliberate mistreatment of family and others even after killing their target. This was actually a good discussion on X about this yesterday.

In their ignorance and arrogance, those desperate to cling to power and corruption have chosen to do anything needed for that end. That they are sowing a wind that will reap them a whirlwind that could plunge the world into darkness (not hyperbole, but a subject worthy of more than one long post) does not even cross their minds. They foolishly believe they can control this, use this to create more J6-style detentions and trials, and cow the rabble into submission. They are at best fools, and we may all pay the price for it.

As for those who think they will stop with just fines or a slap on the wrist in this Trump trial, what makes you think that given all they have done they will go to half measures now? They are making an example to discourage anyone from challenging them again. I will be amazed if it is not the maximum possible sentence in prison. Further, as I mentioned here before, I told another writer almost two years ago that if Trump showed any possibility of winning or did win, that he would not live to take office. I fully expect that he, and his family, will be killed. Most likely by a deranged individual that has been encouraged if not aided to do exactly that ‘to save our democracy’. If you think this is too much, look back at all the mass shooters (and there is a trans connection there too) who were ‘known subjects’ to the FBI and other law enforcement. Seriously, go back to the Pulse nightclub shooting and move forward. Take a look at the knowledge and even relationships between them and LE. Coincidence?

Think that those currently in power won’t do something like that? History, including recent history, says different. The Biden Regency and others clinging desperately to power more than live up to Amb. Molari’s quote on arrogance and stupidity in one neat package. As I said above, they really do think they can control and use what is to come. I think them fools.

That said, the first thing I think we should do is pray. We need to pray for the Republic, we need to pray for guidance, and we need to pray for the worst not to happen for this could well set the world on fire (think Ukraine, China, ME, etc. where they want more endless wars) and plunge it into darkness for centuries. Worst case, but still a case I can make quite easily.

Last night, Sarah A. Hoyt brought up Psalm 7 on X. It is a good one to read right now. It is a good one to pray. Right now, especially with all the Fed Boi’s on social media working as hard as they can to get people to say or do stupid things so they can pull out the J6 playbook again, Prayer is the best thing we can do. Please don’t be stupid and fall for the provocations.

Second best thing we can do is prepare. In this case, not just with physical supplies, but mental and spiritual as well. Quickest way to prevent something is to plan for it, so plan for that worst case. In addition to food and such, tuck away in secure storage copies of Locke and the others who influenced the Founders of our Republic; copies of the books and textbooks from the late 1800’s to around 1910, for they covered history, philosophy, language, and more; tuck away books on how to do things, from how the Romans did plumbing to how the pioneers preserved foods and cooked; and, tuck away Christian writings including the Bible, for Progressives worship the state and loathe those who worship God. Remember, you will eat the bugs and wear the rags and like it, and you will not have any other god but them and the state. Prepare accordingly.

Worst case covered, plan for now. For all that I think every effort will be made to ensure a dishonest election, vote. Encourage others to vote. Vote as if your life and the lives and future of your family depend on it. Vote not for individuals (put not your faith in the princes of men), but for the Republic and those who will support and defend same. If you get a stupid law or order, malicious compliance is a thing. Even at great cost, fight any injustice done unto you and any effort to erode your rights and liberties. Document, turn Alinsky back on them and make them live up to their statements. They won’t, but that just makes it easier to document, point, and laugh and ridicule them. They can’t stand the latter, so make as much fun of them in as many ways as you can. They truly are ridiculous, so share it far and wide. When they do things (or are caught), point it out and do so in a way that makes people laugh at them. It truly is their kryptonite, though expect backlash and examples to be made of those who dare do it.

Now, some of you were already doing this step long before it became a thing, but look at the Benedict Option and how it can (still) be implemented. For all that I am not a fan of Mr. Dreher, he has pushed a good idea for people of Faith. Some of you have already done something similar, pulling together in communities with shared ideals and grouping together people with needed skills should things go towards the worst case. It is a good idea, and if I get the chance to move (once health assured) would love to join such a grouping.

All that said, and as far as the Republic has fallen, I still think we are not yet beyond repair and redemption. For a musical take, I think we are still On The Border in regards the opportunity to recover and restore the Republic. That said, I think we are rapidly approaching the point of The Story In Your Eyes and having to go from the ashes we can build another day. I really hope that we can avoid, for this or any other reason, needing to play Genesis Ch1, V32 as a theme song. If you need something to buck you up, I like Victory despite disagreeing with some of the lyrics. If you need something a bit more martial, may I suggest Preliator? I’m afraid, however, that some of us — even now — may end up needing to play Winterborn, but if so let those who do and those who remember them wear and remember their names with pride. For there will be martyrs created by those who seek power for themselves, their children, and grandchildren no matter the cost. Best is to put Faith into Prayer, and hope for the ballot box and the courts, despite the strong efforts underway to de-legitimize both.

So, buck up. It may not be easy or fun, but few worthwhile things rarely are such. Be prepared, keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Pray.

UPDATE: This is a good, if short, read on the Romans, looking forward to the promised parts to come. If you want good, first-hand history on China, show trials, and more, allow me to recommend Xi Van Fleet. As always, Stephen Green/Vodka Pundit, is doing some good work. One of several I think. Lot of good takes at Hot Air.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Consult Update

Yesterday, I finally got my consult with a “new” cardiologist. New to me, that is, thankfully not brand-new given what is coming out of DIE-infested med schools these days. In fact, mature, level-headed, experienced, and methodical. Even better, he spends three days a week treating and only two days a week on office visits as a general rule.

The truly good news of the day is the above. He thinks more than one of my medicines may need to be changed as at least two of them were quite popular with doctors back in the 1990s. However, before he does anything, we are going to get data. Oh, and he will only change one prescription at a time so we can monitor and not have to play the ‘which medicine did what’ game if there are issues. What he is considering putting me on is not known to interact with anything else I’m taking, but still going to take our time just to be safe.

I like this. I like him. Didn’t hurt that he knew who Les Geddes (Leslie A. Geddes) was, and was intrigued that I had the honor of working with him. Honestly, I use Les as a test of anyone in the cardio field as if they don’t know who he is (or why he’s important even beyond cardio) then I tend to think I can do (a lot) better in a doctor.

The next bit of good news is that he thinks the major mystery diagnosis is less than accurate. Which is a LOT of stress off of me, since there are not a lot of options available if it were correct. To be safe, however, especially as there could be some inconsistencies in some of my records (to be polite), in early July I’m going to get to go spend a day at the heart center for testing. Think we both wish it could be sooner, but the medical group (national) he is part of got hit with a cyberattack that is causing all sorts of fun for everyone.

Once we have real data to go with what has been done in the past (and, side note, if you send a doctor more than 500 records for a consult why would you not provide surgical notes, films, and other critical info???), then a plan of treatment will be developed for whatever is going on. Frankly, I’m more confident on several levels than I have been in quite a while. The only time before I felt things were being done right and as needed was when I hit the ER and had the open-heart surgery 48-hours later.

Oh, we are doing a temporary increase in one medication to see if it makes a difference in some symptoms. If it does, well, that’s a very useful data point on one issue. It will also make it easier for me to start getting the exercise I need to be doing. Also, while he is not Orthodox his mother is, and he is going to be reviewing what I am doing for fasting and other issues and making suggestions as needed. I think this very good.

So, we magically didn’t get all the answers at once; but, there is a solid plan in place to safely get the data needed and improve/develop treatment plans as needed. This was the best-case outcome, and we got it. Thank you Lord. Now, to remind myself to be patient as we move forward.

Oh, before I forget: it may have been the last real ride of the zombie car, but it got me there and back. It may have taken four or so gallons of antifreeze, almost a quart of oil, and some other bits and pieces, and some prayer, but it did it. For that I am extremely thankful. Now that we are getting my health in order, may put a bit of time and prayer into transportation and abode.

More “regular” posting soon I hope.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Up In The Air

Posting may be off a bit the next couple of days. I was supposed to have that long-anticipated (and needed) cardiology consult today. However, as I walked out the door to see if I could get the car to run, I got messages asking me to call.

The consult has had to be pushed off until tomorrow. Just thankful that it is not for a longer period. I really need to get this done and find out what is going on/not going on.

That said, it is throwing my writing off a bit. Apologies about that, but more is on the way at some point. Thank you for your patience.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Memorial Day 2024

With the car as it is, not going to be able to do my usual trip to Oaken Barrel to buy a beer for the guys. I may see if I can get down to the Church later to say a prayer, already done one here at home. I plan to cook some hot dogs, enjoy a good beer, and celebrate their lives even as I honor their sacrifice. Please join me in remembering:

ENS Albert Foster Powers, MIA 1945 Japan
LCPL Bill Stelpflug, Beirut
COL Rick Rescorla, NY 9/11
SPC Ryan Dallam, Iraq
PFC Damian Lopez, Iraq
SPC Marieo Guerrero, Iraq
CPT Anthony Palermo, Iraq
SPC David Behrle, Iraq
SPC Joseph Gilmore, Iraq
PFC Travis Haslip, Iraq
SGT Jean Medlin, Iraq
SSG Christopher Moore, Iraq
PVT Alexander Varela, Iraq
LCPL Jeremy W. Burris, Iraq
SSG Brian Cowdrey, Afghanistan
MAJ Andrew Olmstead, Iraq
CPT Carroll LeFon, CONUS

Thank you Lord that such men lived, and heeded the call to protect and defend. We are all the richer and the better for them and their brothers and sisters who lived the words “No greater love…” You are remembered. You are not forgotten. You are missed. God Bless.

Experiment, On The Way

A truly substantive post is not likely today, just a head’s up. My schedule has gotten a bit awry, and I still live by routines, schedules, and lists more than I care to admit.

I got my smoker back from the housemate and got it into place and cleaned as necessary yesterday so as to be ready to go this morning. What I did not do, that I should have done, was to do a full function test. When I went to get started this morning, no go. I could not get it to light and limited trouble-shooting did not help. Given all I have to get done today, schedule demanded I drop back and punt, and as such am doing the pastrami in the oven.

Now, on the bright side, it guarantees even heat and it is the way it is done in several of the better pastrami places in New York. However, the smoke adds flavor and helps with preservation, which was the point behind pastrami in the first place. It was a way of preserving meat (and making a tasty product) in the days before refrigeration was commonplace. Really wanted to do it that way. Oh well.

This has thrown off the baking schedule rather badly, to the point I’m not sure I can do my normal baking today given that the oven really was needed for proofing and such. The pastrami takes 5-6 hours to cook at 250, which is way too warm for bread proofing, so, rethinking a number of things. So, recalibrating.

Also, need to spend some time today trying to figure out Monday and Tuesday. On Memorial Day, it is my tradition to go have a drink with the guys as it is the one day of the year I’m buying. I usually do this at Oaken Barrel down in Greenwood, but without a car…

I’ve decided to try to get the zombie car to at least get me to the consult on Tuesday. It may be that I’m there an hour or less; but, there is also the chance per the doctor’s office that I may get sent for some tests while I am there. As such, not keen on asking someone to potentially give up a day to help me. Renting a car is out right now (Memorial Day and Indy 500 have cornered the market as it were), and the cab companies are rather unreliable (per painful experience). So, will see how it goes.

May you have a good Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy yourselves, but take the time to remember why we have this holiday. As long as we remember them… For me, thinking that if I can’t make it down to Oaken Barrel, I may just pick up some really good hot dogs and enjoy them. Take care, be safe, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

LTS: Sealing The Bags

Last week, I talked about layers of protection and the need to seal bags. I’ve been putting off talking about the sealing as I had the opportunity to try a 16″ impulse sealer, and was given the strong impression it could and would handle the 5-gallon mylar bags. First, let’s look at some of the options for sealing.

Here we have a small impulse sealer often advertised for resealing chip bags and the like (crisp bags for the Brits). Next to it is the venerable iron, which is good for much more than clothes. At the top, the extra-long impulse sealer.

The little bag sealer is touted for resealing bags and sealing a variety of small bags. Short and sweet: I was and am spectacularly unimpressed with it. Save the $8 or whatever.

The iron, set to wool, does a good job with the mylar bags. The drawbacks for me are getting a uniform width on the seal, and not overdoing it on the heat. That said, this is a good way to go, especially if you are on a budget. As an FYI, I use a scrap piece of lumber covered in cardboard as my sealing surface. Works like a charm.

If you get a good impulse sealer, they are wonderful for a uniform seal and can be adjusted for a variety of bag thicknesses and even bag types. The drawbacks are that there are far too many out there that don’t work as advertised and some apparently go through internal fuses and heating elements like candy.

The one I got to try did a good job on most bags, but despite the length it did NOT fit the 5-gallon bags as indicated. This meant that I had to do two (or more) sealings at various angles to get a full seal. Thinking it best to do those (and liners) with an iron. Glad to have tried it, but if you are looking for something to handle the 5-gallon bags in one go, this isn’t it. Save some money and get a smaller to do the most common bags.

As I noted before, for Long Term Storage (LTS) I do recommend sealing the bags and not just using the inner ziplock. For short or medium term, you can get by with just the inner seal. To me, it’s all about the layers and making it as redundant as possible to limit any leakage of light, air, or water into what is being stored.

Questions or suggestions, sound out! I’ve already picked up some good tips from you, and hope some of what I do may have returned the favor. With the way things are headed, not a bad idea to have a few things tucked away.

Remember, there is no such thing as Preparedness Club. Meantime, be safe, be prepared, keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Tasty Things

Sorry to not post a lot, but it has been an interesting week. As noted on Monday, lots going on and trying to get ready for the medical consult next week. Also trying to start recovering from having to replace everything in the freezer.

I think I mentioned that I am doing an experiment with homemade pastrami. Originally, it was a means of preserving meat in an era before refrigeration became common. After brining the meat for about five days, made the final cure/rub yesterday and coated it. It’s sitting in the refrigerator until tomorrow when I plan to smoke it at 250 for about six hours, though I may have to do part in the oven (depending on circumstances/weather). If it turns out decent, will share the full recipe and such.

Got a bunch of biscuits made this morning, though getting the right amount took making three batches of the recipe I have. Have marked it to double at least, and maybe triple, next time.

Also, a batch of sourdough buttermilk pancakes. Gotten them and the biscuits individually frozen, and a few other things done today as well. More soon.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

A Request

Looks like I may have to spend today and part of tomorrow running around doing errands. Looks like the Grace period for my car is at an end, so one of the things I need to do is line up transportation to the cardiologist/medical consult next week. I remain very, very thankful that it ran so well and got me through all the events leading up to my Baptism and even on through Bright Week. In fact, it got me home yesterday, though it got interesting towards the end.

All that said, I hope to get up some decent posts this week. If I might ask a favor though, here’s part of what I posted at GiveSendGo:

Things are tight for us all these days, but today I want to ask for some specific prayers.  I have an appointment coming up next week with a new cardiologist who is going to be reviewing my case and helping to rule in-or-out some of the “mystery” diagnoses that popped up in the records of one health group.  The mystery is who made them and on what basis, which I have not been able to find out so far.  If I go spend a day camped out at the central medical records office for that provider I might be able to find out, but when neither I nor my doctors can pull up that info on our own… 

The fact is, I need a fresh pair of eyes to look over as much as possible.  I especially need to have one particular diagnosis ruled as real or wrong so I can know if I will be able to move to the Southwest or not.  What I can do, and when, rides on my health and my insurance coverage.  The insurance I have right now will not transfer to any of the SW states.  Getting new insurance takes time and things like pre-existing conditions comes into play.  So, I need data.  More importantly, I need good care. 

Thus the specific prayers. If you could say a prayer that this doctor have the skill and experience needed; that he have the wisdom and compassion to provide the care needed; that he be as thorough as needed and that my insurance allow him to do all that is needed; and, that we get the data that is needed to assess my condition(s) and develop the proper treatment plan for same.

For all that I want the worst “mystery” diagnosis disproven, I’m trying to simply pray to “let that which is right be.” Whatever we find out, I will be glad for it as one way or another I will be able to start moving forward on a truly new life.

Thank you for your patience, your encouragement, your inputs on so many topics, and your prayers. It’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks, but I will be the better for them.

Oh, before I forget: I haven’t been able to do as much with the guitar as I would like, given all that has been going on. Good news is when I can work at it, I’m not torturing the cats or the landlord (too badly). Hoping to start setting up regular lessons soon. Did find out that my ability to read sheet music took a hit, so literally doing both singing and the guitar by ear. During Bright Week I found myself a chanter, candle lighter, dishwasher, and more. It was during those services that I started to remember a small amount on sheet music and that I needed to go by ear.

More to come!

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Without Comment

Friday has turned into my baking day, which also means it is laundry day, cleaning day, cooking project day, and a few other things. The sourdough for this week is proofing, the brine for an experiment is cooling, laundry is mostly done (need to put up last load), and I could shed a tear or two after going through my spice totes.

For a number of reasons, I keep my spices and salts (mostly) in two plastic totes. My cabinet space in the kitchen is quite limited, so I just keep a few things I use every day there. The plastic totes hold all the jar/container spices not in the kitchen (mostly alphabetized), and the second tote holds bulk spices and salts. I knew it had been a while since I had gone through things, but found some odd spices that were more than a decade out of date. Clear what I use the most… Threw away a lot of old stuff, though saved a few of the good bottles for other uses.

The title of this post pertains to the tale of the zombie car. Regulars know my car has issues and pretty much died a few months ago. While this tends towards what Sarah A. Hoyt refers to as “woo woo” I thought I would share this with you.

A while back, I volunteered to cook lunch for the Church. I tried the car, and it not only ran, but for the ten days of prep and cooking, it ran smoothly and didn’t leak a drop of any fluid. Now, about two days after the lunch it went back to spewing fluids of various types and running rough (to be polite). Right up until I stepped up to cover another lunch at the last minute. Ran like a top while I did so. Did the same thing a few weeks later as I cooked and we went into Holy Week. Looks like I’m going to be doing some more cooking and kitchen help soon, so hoping it will keep doing this.

Other than that, no comment. Am beyond thankful and have expressed my thanks. Well, I will say that I am not taking the Priest up on his suggestion to cook every week. Not in the budget… Wish it was.

More soon, off to finish working the bread dough and start the experiment (homemade pastrami). Once the bread is finished and in the refrigerator, think I’m done for the day.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Quick Thoughts On EMP Preparedness

In the comments on this post on metal containers for Long Term Storage (LTS), Steve brought up the topic of EMP, and I thought it would be good to do a quick post looking at how to prepare for EMP, Carrington Events, and even a bit on lightning.

The fact is, there are a number of natural events that can dump large loads of energy into systems not designed for them. There are also acts of man that can do the same. In some cases, there may be warning. In others, particularly the acts of men, not so much. Let’s take a look at some of the threats, then we can get into what preparations you can make.

EMP stands for Electro-Magnetic-Pulse, and is best known as being the result of a nuclear bomb exploding. While there are some natural events that can produce EMP, most of what we have to worry about come from nuclear weapons and other devices designed to create EMP. It is a matter of public record that there are a number of non-nuclear devices, sometimes referred to as e-bombs, that can produce damaging EMP. One of the big worries the pros have is a terrorist group/rogue state using such a device in or above the U.S.

That great big fusion reactor that is our sun also throws out energy on a regular basis beyond mere sunlight. Sunspots, coronal flares, and coronal mass ejections can give us everything from the aurora borealis to the Carrington Event in the 1800s that dropped enough energy onto Earth that it powered the telegraph systems. If memory serves, we have even seen some ejections headed away from Earth that if they came at us would qualify as a Extinction Level Event (ELE). Those of somewhat lesser power would wreak havoc on the power grid, electronics, and communications.

There are also some apparently naturally occurring phenomena that produce energy pulses that don’t qualify as EMP, but can affect electronics and power. If what I remember is correct, we really don’t understand some of these events and as such we may not have a good read on what they can do.

The other thing that can throw large amounts of energy around is lightning. More localized than the others, but something to factor into your planning. Speaking from experience, having that much energy hit systems not designed for it can have interesting and even catastrophic effects.

Now, how can you prepare for such things? In the comments, Gryphon has a great suggestion: the American Radio Relay League, known today as ARRL. They have a good bit of information on dealing with pretty much all of the above.

Given the amazing amount of damage done by lightning each year, it is well worth implementing protections for your home, which will also help those within. I’ve used industrial-grade surge protectors for years when I could not do a whole-house system. Pro Tip: If the surge protector doesn’t have a $10,000 or better warranty, it’s not a real surge protector. The company that made the ones I used the most back in Huntsville ended up buying me a large screen TV. They may have also been the ones who paid me to ship it back so they could do a failure analysis on it.

Also, near and dear to my heart (pun pun), when buying or building check to see how often lightning hits in that area. For some reason, certain locations seem to attract hits. If the property is one such, look elsewhere. If there is one tree in the area that gets hit a lot, cut it down. Side note, my landlord did cut down the tree at the root of my getting hit. I’m good with that.

When it comes to other events, Gryphon in his comment makes a good point. The best protection is not to be plugged in.

EMP and dangerous surges are going to do more damage when you have a larger “antenna” as it were. The miles and miles of transmission lines that are part of our power grid make for a huge antenna. Solar events will give at least some time for warning. Barring terrorist attacks, the rising tensions should give some warning. When things are tense or the boffins are weaseling on what the sun is doing, get in the habit of unplugging appliances and electronics. If you know things are bad or a major solar storm (or a severe lightning storm) is about to hit, I’d recommend flipping your main to off. The more gaps in the system, the better.

Under those circumstances, I’m also going to be putting my laptop, emergency radio, other electronics, chargers, and things with transformers (lots and lots of wire) into one of the metal cannon ammo cans. For most things that aren’t an ELE, they will likely provide sufficient shielding. I can hook them to a ground at need as well. And for general preparedness, but particularly in the event of something like this, have some GOOD radios for communications as you might not have the internet or cellular service for a while. The $5 special at the big box store is not what you want, go for something a bit better. Yet another good reason to check out ARRL for advice, or to get into real radios if you or someone in your family/group gets into it. Me, I sucketh worse than a Hoover at Morse…

Given that you might not get warning for acts of men, it would not hurt to have that can already filled with an emergency radio (crank & multiple power sources), personal com radios, solar charger(s), other chargers, and other electronics or backup electronics you think are needed. Use the personal com radios on a regular basis so you are familiar with them and are keeping them ready to go.

As for vehicles and all the computers in them, well, that’s a good question. I’ve had people tell me that newer cars will be okay overall. I’ve had yet others say the opposite. I’ve put my own car issues on hold for now, but leaning towards something that might not have as many computers and won’t snitch on me. The short take from others is that if you have a metal garage, you should be okay with most events; if there is terrain/earth between your vehicle and the source, you should be good; and, if you are at a sufficient distance from man-made events, you should be good. My personal take is that no one knows for sure, but am hoping for the best, planning for the worst and will take what comes.

Please do take lightning seriously, and plan and prepare for it. If you do, you will find you have done a lot to EMP-proof your home and electronics. There even could be insurance and other benefits to doing it as well. If you get and stock that can, and unplug as much as possible if things get dicey, you’ve done about all you can. Just some quick thoughts that I wanted to share.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.