Grid Down: A Strike against America – An EMP Survival Story- Book One Read Free Page B

helpful tips on food rationing and water purification, among other suggestions, to those remaining in their homes. They discourage eating raw meat or expired food and trading or bartering with strangers. A national crime wave has reportedly debilitated several urban areas, hindering aid and assistance.”
    Suddenly Josh walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. “What did I miss? Can we go home yet?”
    Rob turned slightly and shook his head then signaled to Josh that he was still listening to the broadcast.
    “In their latest report, members of the EMP Commission estimated an additional two months before power grids can be restored. Some government officials, however, demand a swifter response.
    “With only a limited number of functional vehicles on hand, the federal government and military are relying solely on air travel, which has remained largely unaffected by the pulse. Officials have urged motorists in possession of working vehicles manufactured before 1980 to donate them to the nearest emergency management office for temporary use.”
    Rob nearly laughed as he jotted.
    “Two more months?” Josh asked, shocked. He looked forlorn standing there in boxer shorts and a T-shirt.
    Rob turned to him again. “They don’t know for sure. It’s all speculation at this point.”
    “When do you think they’ll fix it?” Josh asked.
    “Soon, I hope, but like he just reported … Now let me listen to this,” Rob said, struggling to keep up with the announcer.
    Shrugging him off, Josh looked around the cabin. Sunlight beamed in through the windows. The tranquility of their natural surroundings had been nice for the first few weeks. Now he was sick of it. He longed to see his friends. He longed to play video games. He even longed to return to school. He wasn’t the only young person among the cabin group, and there were others who felt the same as he did.
    “Latest casualty numbers are currently unknown. Major Law enforcement operations have been organized to control prison breaks and rioting at correctional facilities nationwide. Thousands of hospitals were recently provided sustainment power from military generators recovered from an underground location, unaffected by the electromagnetic pulse.
    “Eighty percent of the nation’s fuel reserve has also been consumed in efforts to maintain emergency operations and support. The transportation agency stated that the unprecedented spike in usage will be replenished once normalcy returns to affected areas. The U.S. has since requested the tripling of fuel imports from NATO partners.
    “The lack of economic activity in the U.S. has reportedly destabilized markets worldwide, spearheading a global financial crisis. The United States and parts of Mexico and Canada are currently experiencing the same crisis, leading many experts to believe that dispersal of the electromagnetic pulse was deliberate. More developments to come. This has been a broadcast for the Emergency Alert System.”
    Rob dropped his pencil and lowered his head. It was real. They were on their own—that much he knew. “Oh my God…” he said under his breath.
    “Dad?” Josh asked. “Can we go into town today?”
    Rob ran his hands through his hair and then squeezed his eyes shut.
    Josh knew his question didn’t sit well, but persisted anyway. “What’s wrong with that? Don’t you think it’s time yet?”
    Rob pointed to the radio, his voice rising. “Did you not hear a word they said?”
    “Can’t we just check it out? I don’t see what the big deal is with doing that.”
    Rob could hear shuffling in the back room. Mila was getting up. At the risk of furthering an argument in their already small and confined cabin, he approached Josh and placed his hands on his shoulders to calm him. “Our actions affect much more than us right now. There are other families here, and we all have to be on the same page at all times. Understand?”
    “Not really,” Josh said in a dispirited tone.
    “I know you